Patients like that, according to the results of a new study commissioned by the Association’s Council on Ethics, Bylaws and Judicial Affairs

Nearly 70 percent of patients are more likely to choose an ADA member dentist knowing that those dentists follow a Code of Ethics, the study showed.

The survey also showed that nearly 75 percent of patients said that simply knowing that a dentist was a member of the ADA would influence whom they selected as a dentist.

The ADA has long believed that the ADA’s “Principles of Ethics and Code of Professional Conduct” elevated dentists’ reputation in the community, but didn’t have proof, said Pennsylvania dentist Dr. Linda K. Himmelberger, chair of CEBJA. “We were hoping to find it was a differentiator for the public,” Dr. Himmelberger said. “That is what the survey pointed out.”

The May survey was conducted among a Census-balanced, nationally representative sample of 1,000 people, with a 3 percent margin of error. Respondents were asked to read a description of the ADA Code before responding to a final question.

The survey tested whether public knowledge of the ADA Code and its fundamental purpose of putting the interests of patients first would resonate with the public and might result in channeling patients to ADA member dentists. Members of the ADA voluntarily agree to abide by the ADA Code as a condition of membership in the Association.

“CEBJA wanted to know if the ADA Code would help us with ADA’s membership goals,” said Oklahoma dentist Dr. Doug Auld, vice chairman of CEBJA.

The findings included:

Sixty-seven percent of respondents knew if their dentists were members of the ADA.

Two in five consumers believed that ADA dentists hold themselves to a higher standard than other dentists. After learning about the Code, the number increased to 53 percent.

Patients aged 35-64 were more likely to be influenced by the Code when choosing a dentist, while people in the 18-24 age range were considerably less influenced by the Code.

If people believe they are already going to an ADA dentist, the Code will likely influence them to look even more strongly for another ADA member the next time they are in need of a dentist.

Some of the findings pleasantly surprised Dr. Himmelberger and Dr. Auld.

“What impressed me was that 69 percent of patients, knowing that we had a Code, were more likely to go to a member dentist,” Dr. Auld. “ I didn’t think it would be that high. I was surprised.”

“The public does feel very strongly about their dentists being members of the ADA,” Dr. Himmelberger said. “Seventy-five percent is a big number.”

Dr. Himmelberger said that member dentists should promote the findings and share them. “There are ways they can work the Code and the fact that they are ADA members into their daily interactions with their patients to increase the patient’s awareness of the Code and how it guides the way their dentist treats them,” she said.

She recommended that dentists should print out the ADA Code and have copies of it in the waiting room. Dr. Auld said that members should also have the ADA Code posted conspicuously in the office.

]]>Mon, 27 Jul 2015 00:00:00 GMT
There are still many dental providers who are submitting HIP claims but have not begun the credentialing process. Since we do expect the State to restrict the network to credentialed providers in the future, the IDA encourages all HIP providers to begin the credentialing process as soon as possible. The process is currently running approximately 30 days from the date all necessary documentation is received by DentaQuest. Additional information on enrolling can be found at the DentaQuest website.

Please note, once direction is received from the State to restrict the network to credentialed providers, the network will not "close." Once the network is restricted, providers will be able to enroll with DentaQuest, but they will be unable to submit claims until they have completed the credentialing process.

If you are in the process of credentialing, but have concerns about missing documentation or information, or simply want an update on your enrollment status, please contact your DentaQuest Provider Relations Representative for assistance.:

Effective August 1, 2015, the Indiana Health Coverage Programs (IHCP) will update the pricing for the Current Dental
Terminology (CDT®) procedure codes listed in Table 4.

The pricing for these procedure codes will change from manual pricing to maximum fee pricing. The IHCP will adopt
maximum fee rates for the listed codes for fee-for-service claims with dates of service (DOS) on or after August 1, 2015.
These changes will be reflected in the next monthly updates to the provider Fee Schedule at indianamedicaid.com.

Table 4 – CDT codes updated from manual pricing to maximum fee pricing for DOS on or after August 1, 2015

Procedure
Code

Description

D3346

Retreatment of previous root canal therapy – anterior

D3347

Retreatment of previous root canal – bicuspid

D3348

Retreatment of previous root canal therapy – molar

D3421

Apicoectomy – bicuspid (first root)

D3425

Apicoectomy – molar first root

D3426

Apicoectomy (each additional root)

D4240

Gingival flap procedure, including root planing four or more contiguous teeth or tooth bounded spaces per quadrant

D4241

Gingival flap procedure, including root planing one to three contiguous teeth or tooth bounded spaces per quadrant

D4260

Osseous surgery (including elevation of a full thickness flap and closure) – four or more contiguous teeth or tooth bounded spaces per quadrant

Current Dental Terminology (CDT) is copyrighted by the American Dental Association. 2014 American Dental Association.
All rights reserved.]]>Wed, 24 Jun 2015 00:00:00 GMTIndianapolis IN, June 18, 2015 – The Indiana Dental Association (IDA) has named Chad Leighty, DDS as its new president for the 2015-2016 fiscal year. Dr. Leighty has been a member of IDA since 1993.

Dr. Leighty is a family dentist who practices at K & L Dental in Marion, IN. He received his Bachelor of Chemistry from Indiana University in 1989 and his Doctorate of Dental Surgery from the Indiana University School of Dentistry in 1993.
He has served the IDA in many capacities, including, President Elect, Vice President, member of the IDA Board of Trustees, President of the IDA Holding Company, General Chair of the Council on Annual Session, member of the IDA Leadership Development Subcommittee, member of the Indiana Dental Enterprise Association Board, member of the Council on Communications, member of the Council on Governmental Affairs, member of the Indiana Dental Political Action Committee and member of the IDA Hospitality Committee.

“The IDA is thrilled to have Dr. Chad Leighty as our new president,” says Mr. Doug Bush, IDA Executive Director. “Chad’s focus on member engagement and inclusion will allow IDA to benefit from fresh ideas and growth opportunities. We’re looking forward to this coming year and continuing the momentum that was started previously.”

Dr. Leighty is an active member of the American Dental Association (ADA) where he has served as Program Chair for the Council on ADA Sessions, member of the ADA House of Delegates, District Representative to the Speaker of the House, member of the Standing Committee on Credentials, Rules and Order, member of the Standing Committee on Budget and Administrative Affairs and Indiana Floor Leader of the House of Delegates.

Dr. Leighty’s other past and current professional dental affiliations include the International College of Dentists, the American College of Dentists, Pierre Fauchard Academy, Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation, American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, Past President of the Wabash Valley Dental Society, Past President of the Grant County Dental Society, The Fort Study Club/Seattle Study Club and Donated Dental Services.

Dr. Leighty, a graduate of Marion High School, has been a member of the Marion community since he was six years old. He is the Past President of the Grant County Community Foundation, previous Grant County Chair for the National Wild Turkey Federation, Oak Hill Soccer Club Coach, Marion Police Athletic Club Soccer Coach, member of the St. Paul Parish Liturgy Committee Past President of the St. Paul Parish School Board.

He and his wife Sandy have 3 beautiful daughters, Lauren, Krista, and Emily and a rambunctious granddaughter Leighton. Dr. Leighty enjoys being outdoors, hunting, fishing, and especially spending time with his family at their lake cottage on Syracuse Lake.

About the Indiana Dental Association
As a constituent of the American Dental Association, the Indiana Dental Association (IDA) is the state’s largest dental association, serving over 2,800 member dentists and their patients throughout Indiana. The mission of the IDA is to support dentists, to promote professionalism, and to improve oral health in the state of Indiana. For more information, visit www.INDental.org.
###]]>Thu, 18 Jun 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Wanda Barger is congratulated by IDA President Dr. Steve Holm.

Indianapolis IN, June 16, 2015 –The Indiana Dental Association (IDA) has awarded Wanda Barger, of Indianapolis, Indiana the 2015 Outstanding Staff Award. This award recognizes an exemplary IDA staff member who has gone above and beyond the call for the IDA members and promoting the profession’s image.

Ms Barger joined the IDA and IDA Insurance Services (IDAIS) team in 2013 as a licensed health insurance agent. Prior to the IDAIS, she spent five years with Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield as an individual sales coordinator. Ms Barger states that her goal at IDAIS is to help all members with their health insurance needs in a pleasant and timely manner. Ms Barger has exceeded this goal as well as many other expectations as an IDA staff member. Ms Barger’s attention to detail and compassion for every situation makes her an extremely valuable asset to the IDA insurance team.

Ms Barger has one daughter, Amanda, whom she enjoys spending her time with. She also enjoys the Colts games, reading and spending time with friends and family. Ms Barger’s smiling face is a joy to have around the office; everyone at IDA is beyond appreciative for her hard work and dedication.

Ms Barger was presented the Outstanding Staff Award during the IDA’s Awards Ceremony held June 11 at the French Lick Resort in French Lick, Indiana. More than 200 dental professionals, IDA officers, representatives, elected officials and their guests attended the awards presentation. The ceremony was emceed by Dr. Jay Asdell, IDA Vice President, and awards were presented by Dr. Steve Holm, IDA President and Dr. Chad Leighty, IDA President Elect.

About the IDA Awards
The annual IDA Awards program provides dental professionals an opportunity to recognize their colleagues and others who have impacted oral health in the state of Indiana. Over a dozen awards are presented, each with their own criteria, honoring those who have made outstanding contributions to the field of dentistry, to patient well-being, or to the advancement of dental health. Awards are presented at a reception ceremony held in conjunction with the IDA Annual Session each year.

About the Indiana Dental Association
As a constituent of the American Dental Association, the Indiana Dental Association (IDA) is the state’s largest dental association, serving over 2,800 member dentists and their patients throughout Indiana. The mission of the IDA is to support dentists, to promote professionalism, and to improve oral health in the state of Indiana. For more information, visit www.INDental.org.]]>Tue, 16 Jun 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Steve Riggs (right) accepts the Special Service Award on behalf of his late father.

Indianapolis IN, June 16, 2015 –The Indiana Dental Association (IDA) has posthumously awarded Wendell A. Riggs, MD, of Lafayette, Indiana the 2015 Special Service Award. This award recognizes non-dentists who advance the objectives of the health profession in general and/or the dental profession in particular.

Dr. Riggs was a pediatrician who served the Greater Lafayette community from July 1963 to the mid 2000s. He was noted for his foresight and tireless effort to realize the foundation of a community health clinic in Lafayette that was needed to serve the working poor. The process of developing the clinic began in 1984 with a small grant from the State of Indiana. By 1988, a free-standing facility had been established that included a dental clinic for the lower income/uninsured members of the Greater Lafayette community. What began with the volunteer service of several local dentists to staff the clinic has grown to a full time dental staff.

“Dr. Wendell Riggs was responsible for many notable services through his professional career,” says Dr. Brett Henrickson who nominated Dr. Riggs for the award. “Certainly, Dr. Riggs is a worthy recipient of this Special Service Award.”

In 2009, the clinic was renamed the Riggs Community Health Clinic in honor of its visionary creator, Dr. Wendell A. Riggs. The Special Service Award was accepted by Dr. Riggs’ son Steve.

About the IDA Awards
The annual IDA Awards program provides dental professionals an opportunity to recognize their colleagues and others who have impacted oral health in the state of Indiana. Over a dozen awards are presented, each with their own criteria, honoring those who have made outstanding contributions to the field of dentistry, to patient well-being, or to the advancement of dental health. Awards are presented at a reception ceremony held in conjunction with the IDA Annual Session each year.

About the Indiana Dental Association
As a constituent of the American Dental Association, the Indiana Dental Association (IDA) is the state’s largest dental association, serving over 2,800 member dentists and their patients throughout Indiana. The mission of the IDA is to support dentists, to promote professionalism, and to improve oral health in the state of Indiana. For more information, visit www.INDental.org.]]>Tue, 16 Jun 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Indianapolis IN, June 16, 2015 –The Indiana Dental Association (IDA) on behalf of the American College of Dentists (ACD) Indiana Section has awarded Dr. Jill M. Burns of Indianapolis, Indiana with the 2015 Ethics Award. This award recognizes an Indiana citizen who exemplifies ethical behavior and is recognized by his or her peers as someone who brings credit to the profession and one who has earned the trust of dentists and the general public.

A general dentist practicing in Richmond, IN, Dr. Burns has demonstrated throughout her personal and professional career the highest standards of ethics and professionalism. She has exhibited these qualities by her service in a variety of leadership positions on the local, state and national level.

Dr. Burns has supported both Indiana University School of Dentistry as an Ethics mentor and the Student Professionalism and Ethics Club as lecturer and mentor. She has served as a member and president of the Indiana State Board of Dentistry for 10 years and currently serves as a member of the American Association of Dental Boards. She is the Vice Speaker of the House of the IDA and has represented Indiana as a delegate to the American Dental Association (ADA) since 2006.

Dr. Burns has served on the ADA Reference Committee on Governmental Affairs, ADA Governance Study-House of Delegates Advisory Committee, ADA Reference Committee on Dental Education and ADA Standing Committee on Credentials, Rules and Order as Chair. Dr. Burns serves as an example of an individual dedicated to professionalism and ethical conduct.

Dr. Burns was presented the Ethics Award during the IDA’s Awards Ceremony held June 11 at the French Lick Resort in French Lick, Indiana. More than 200 dental professionals, IDA officers, representatives, elected officials and their guests attended the awards presentation. The ceremony was emceed by Dr. Jay Asdell, IDA Vice President, and awards were presented by Dr. Steve Holm, IDA President and Dr. Chad Leighty, IDA President Elect.

About the IDA Awards
The annual IDA Awards program provides dental professionals an opportunity to recognize their colleagues and others who have impacted oral health in the state of Indiana. Over a dozen awards are presented, each with their own criteria, honoring those who have made outstanding contributions to the field of dentistry, to patient well-being, or to the advancement of dental health. Awards are presented at a reception ceremony held in conjunction with the IDA Annual Session each year.

About the Indiana Dental Association
As a constituent of the American Dental Association, the Indiana Dental Association (IDA) is the state’s largest dental association, serving over 2,800 member dentists and their patients throughout Indiana. The mission of the IDA is to support dentists, to promote professionalism, and to improve oral health in the state of Indiana. For more information, visit www.INDental.org.]]>Tue, 16 Jun 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Dr. Rucker was very instrumental in developing a business plan, applying for and receiving a grant from the North Central Health Services and helping raise matching grants in the community to allow the remodeling of an existing building and opening of the Dr. Mary Ludwig Building. It now houses the Montgomery County Free Clinic, a Volunteer in Medicine Clinic which delivers free dental and medical care to the uninsured poor of the county. Dr. Rucker spends many hours helping patients there.

“Dr. Rucker has greatly impressed me with her dedication to helping the poor,” says Dr. James W. Bayley who nominated Dr. Rucker for the award. “She is an excellent dentist and her professionalism is only exceeded by her kindness to others. She is the perfect example of a person who gives back to dentistry and the community.”

Dr. Rucker has served on the Boys and Girls Club Board, the Montgomery County Community Foundation Board and the Montgomery County Free Clinic Board for several years and is President of the Free Clinic Board presently. Dr. Rucker has practiced in Crawfordsville for 31 years. She has been married for 34 years and has two children..

About the IDA Awards
The annual IDA Awards program provides dental professionals an opportunity to recognize their colleagues and others who have impacted oral health in the state of Indiana. Over a dozen awards are presented, each with their own criteria, honoring those who have made outstanding contributions to the field of dentistry, to patient well-being, or to the advancement of dental health. Awards are presented at a reception ceremony held in conjunction with the IDA Annual Session each year.

About the Indiana Dental Association
As a constituent of the American Dental Association, the Indiana Dental Association (IDA) is the state’s largest dental association, serving over 2,800 member dentists and their patients throughout Indiana. The mission of the IDA is to support dentists, to promote professionalism, and to improve oral health in the state of Indiana. For more information, visit www.INDental.org.]]>Tue, 16 Jun 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Dr. Mandy Miller is congratulated by her business partner Dr. David Wolf.

Indianapolis IN, June 16, 2015 –The Indiana Dental Association (IDA) has awarded Dr. Amanda Miller of Franklin, Indiana the 2015 Rising Star Award. This award is to recognize a young dentist who has been practicing for ten years or less and demonstrates outstanding leadership abilities and initiative.

Dr. Amanda Miller grew up in Ellettsville, Indiana and graduated as valedictorian from Edgewood High School in 2004. Dr. Miller then attended Marian University where she played basketball for four years and graduated in 2008. She received her dental degree from Indiana University School of Dentistry in 2012 and graduated with highest distinction. She currently practices at Indy’s Family Dentistry at 8920 Southpointe Dr on the south side of Indianapolis.

“Dr. Amanda Miller certainly has demonstrated outstanding leadership qualities and initiative in forwarding the profession of dentistry,” says Dr. Heather Maupin who nominated Dr. Miller for the Rising Star Award. “In her spare time, Mandy volunteers at the Wheeler Mission, she helped serve our soldiers in the Soldier Smiles project, and has volunteered for Indiana’s first Mission of Mercy charitable dental clinic at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. She has clearly immersed herself in volunteering and leadership projects with her enthusiasm, professional demeanor and generous spirit.”

Dr. Miller enjoys spending her free time with her husband, Leslie, and traveling with his Celtic rock band to festivals around the country and to Scotland and Ireland. They also enjoy watching the Chicago Cubs play at Wrigley Field. She has two step-sons (Doug and Mason), a step-daughter (Morgan), and a golden retriever (Jack), who keeps her busy outside of the office.

About the IDA Awards
The annual IDA Awards program provides dental professionals an opportunity to recognize their colleagues and others who have impacted oral health in the state of Indiana. Over a dozen awards are presented, each with their own criteria, honoring those who have made outstanding contributions to the field of dentistry, to patient well-being, or to the advancement of dental health. Awards are presented at a reception ceremony held in conjunction with the IDA Annual Session each year.

About the Indiana Dental Association
As a constituent of the American Dental Association, the Indiana Dental Association (IDA) is the state’s largest dental association, serving over 2,800 member dentists and their patients throughout Indiana. The mission of the IDA is to support dentists, to promote professionalism, and to improve oral health in the state of Indiana. For more information, visit www.INDental.org.]]>Tue, 16 Jun 2015 00:00:00 GMTIndianapolis IN, June 16, 2015 –The Indiana Dental Association (IDA) has awarded Dr. Suzanne Germain of Carmel, Indiana the 2015 Leadership Award. This award is given to acknowledge outstanding leadership in maintaining organization and continuity within the Indiana Dental Association and dental profession.

Dr. Germain is a general dentist practicing in Zionsville, IN. She launched the IDA’s Acceptance, Inclusion, Respect (AIR) Program to provide targeted leadership training to a small group of promising leaders from various backgrounds in hopes they will gain the knowledge, skills and confidence to take on leadership roles in organized dentistry and in their communities. She has spoken at the American Dental Association President-Elect Conference on the importance of increasing leadership diversity and inclusion, and the IDA has received an ADA Golden Apple Award for the IDA AIR Program.

Dr. Sue Germain (center) poses with her staff, from left to right: Lauren, Brittany, Rhianna, Kim.

Most recently, Dr. Germain launched the IDA’s Mission of Mercy (MOM) which provided an estimated $896,000 of charitable dental care to over 1,200 patients in Indiana. Dr. Germain stepped up to the plate and felt her calling to do something to address the needs of the dental underserved. She gathered key players not only in dentistry, but also in the community to create a steering committee. From there IndianaMOM took on a life of its own.

Dr. Germain received the Leadership Award during the IDA’s Awards Ceremony held June 11 at the French Lick Resort in French Lick, Indiana. More than 200 dental professionals, IDA officers and representatives, elected officials and their guests attended the awards presentation. The ceremony was emceed by Dr. Jay Asdell, IDA Vice President, and awards were presented by Dr. Steve Holm, IDA President and Dr. Chad Leighty, IDA President Elect.

About the IDA Awards
The annual IDA Awards program provides dental professionals an opportunity to recognize their colleagues and others who have impacted oral health in the state of Indiana. Over a dozen awards are presented, each with their own criteria, honoring those who have made outstanding contributions to the field of dentistry, to patient well-being, or to the advancement of dental health. Awards are presented at a reception ceremony held in conjunction with the IDA Annual Session each year.

About the Indiana Dental Association
As a constituent of the American Dental Association, the Indiana Dental Association (IDA) is the state’s largest dental association, serving over 2,800 member dentists and their patients throughout Indiana. The mission of the IDA is to support dentists, to promote professionalism, and to improve oral health in the state of Indiana. For more information, visit www.INDental.org.]]>Tue, 16 Jun 2015 00:00:00 GMTIndianapolis IN, June 16, 2015 –The Indiana Dental Association (IDA) has awarded Dr. Diane M. Buyer of Indianapolis, and Dr. Daniel Fridh of La Porte with Lloyd J. Phillips Distinguished Service Awards. This award is presented to dentists who have performed outstanding service to advance the objectives of the profession or service within the community, state or country.

Dr. Diane Buyer shows off the new Drinks Destroy Teeth mobile app.

Dr. Buyer is a general dentist practicing in Indianapolis, IN. She initiated the Drinks Destroy Teeth program, a statewide educational outreach program to teach children about the potential destruction of acid and sugar. The program includes free lesson plans and curriculum that are distributed to 4th and 5th grade teachers throughout the state of Indiana.

“Diane’s Drinks Destroy Teeth is a contribution to dentistry and society,” says Dr. Mariam Razvi who nomimated Dr. Buyer for the award. “People of Indiana are more aware of the destructive effect of acidic drinks and can learn how to protect their teeth.”

Dr. Buyer also spearheaded the newly launched Drinks Destroy Teeth app, an interactive oral health educational tool for elementary school students. Dr. Buyer hopes to see this project become a nationwide educational tool.

Dr. Daniel Fridh has performed outstanding service to dentistry and society in general. He is respected and looked upon for leadership by the people in his community of La Porte, Indiana. He is a veteran of the US Air Force. He currently serves as the IDA Treasurer and has been very active in organized dentistry. He has touched many lives in a positive way and has provided quality, ethical care to his patients the last 40 years.

Dr. Daniel Fridh served as a noteable members of the US Air Force.

“Dr. Fridh is a natural born leader who not only served as Chief of Dental Operations at Baudette Air Force Station, but is dissertation on the effects of fluoridation was adopted by the Air Force as official publication,” says Dr. Robert Corns who nominated Dr. Fridh. “However, it is his recent work with Operation Stand Down that truly sets him apart.”

In 2012, 2014, and 2015, Dr. Fridh organized Operation Stand Down events to provide free dental care for US Veterans who have not been able to receive needed care. He has been able to recruit several area dentists to volunteer their time and efforts to examine, treatment plan and treat these veterans at no cost. He has also assisted dentists in Greenwood, South Bend and Gary, Indiana as well as Ohio, Illinois, Wisconsin and North Dakota in organizing veterans programs for their areas. He continues to share planning information for projects around the country.

The Lloyd J. Phillips Distinguished Service Awards were presented during the IDA’s Awards Ceremony held June 11 at the French Lick Resort in French Lick, Indiana. More than 200 dental professionals, IDA officers, representatives, elected officials and their guests attended the awards presentation. The ceremony was emceed by Dr. Jay Asdell, IDA Vice President, and awards were presented by Dr. Steve Holm, IDA President and Dr. Chad Leighty, IDA President Elect.

About the IDA Awards
The annual IDA Awards program provides dental professionals an opportunity to recognize their colleagues and others who have impacted oral health in the state of Indiana. Over a dozen awards are presented, each with their own criteria, honoring those who have made outstanding contributions to the field of dentistry, to patient well-being, or to the advancement of dental health. Awards are presented at a reception ceremony held in conjunction with the IDA Annual Session each year.

About the Indiana Dental Association
As a constituent of the American Dental Association, the Indiana Dental Association (IDA) is the state’s largest dental association, serving over 2,800 member dentists and their patients throughout Indiana. The mission of the IDA is to support dentists, to promote professionalism, and to improve oral health in the state of Indiana. For more information, visit www.INDental.org.]]>Tue, 16 Jun 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Dr. Matthew Maddox (left) accepts the Maynard K. Hine Award on behalf of his late father.

Indianapolis IN, June 16, 2015 –The Indiana Dental Association (IDA) has posthumously awarded Dr. Raymond M. Maddox of Muncie, Indiana the 2015 Maynard K. Hine Award. IDA’s most prestigious award recognizes individuals who have contributed to the dental or health profession on a national or international basis.

Dr. Maddox graduated from Indiana University's School of Dentistry in 1975 and practiced general dentistry in Rushville and Hartford City for several decades. He served as Indiana Dental Association President, Vice Speaker of the House, Alternate Delegate, Delegate and Secretary of the Indiana Delegation to the American Dental Association. Dr. Maddox was the Indiana Dental Political Action Committee Treasurer and served on the IDA’s Council on Dental Education, Dental Public Health, Well Being, Governmental Affairs, IDPAC, IDEA Board of Directors, IDA Foundation and Charitable Care Committee.

Dr. Maddox was part of the initial formation group on the IDA Foundation and served as President. The Foundation raises funds to assist in the recruitment, education and retention of allied dental team members for Indiana dentists. Dr. Maddox was one of the first dentists to consider the possibility of a Mission of Mercy (MOM) project in Indiana.

Dr. Maddox was a friend to all. He not only served the dental profession, but the community in general. He was a previous Chairman of the Rush County Red Cross, a member of Rotary International, former President of Rushville Rotary Club, former President of the Rush County Chamber of Commerce, Founder and first General Chairman of the Rush County Arts and Crafts Festival, and member of the Muncie Area Vocational Advisory Board amongst many other community service positions.

Dr. Matthew Maddox accepted the award on behalf of his late father during the IDA’s Awards Ceremony held June 11 at the French Lick Resort in French Lick, Indiana. More than 200 dental professionals, IDA officers and representatives, elected officials and their guests attended the awards presentation. The ceremony was emceed by Dr. Jay Asdell, IDA Vice President, and awards were presented by Dr. Steve Holm, IDA President and Dr. Chad Leighty, IDA President Elect.

About the IDA Awards
The annual IDA Awards program provides dental professionals an opportunity to recognize their colleagues and others who have impacted oral health in the state of Indiana. Over a dozen awards are presented, each with their own criteria, honoring those who have made outstanding contributions to the field of dentistry, to patient well-being, or to the advancement of dental health. Awards are presented at a reception ceremony held in conjunction with the IDA Annual Session each year.

About the Indiana Dental Association
As a constituent of the American Dental Association, the Indiana Dental Association (IDA) is the state’s largest dental association, serving over 2,800 member dentists and their patients throughout Indiana. The mission of the IDA is to support dentists, to promote professionalism, and to improve oral health in the state of Indiana. For more information, visit www.INDental.org.]]>Tue, 16 Jun 2015 00:00:00 GMT
The Senate Armed Services Committee passed a bill that would reduce the ranks of military dental officers, endangering the continuation of quality service and harming dental officer recruitment and retention efforts. The House passed a bill that would continue the current military ranks for dental officers, which ADA supports. As Armed Service committee members prepare to reconcile the two bills, please take a moment to urge your member of congress to continue current law and support the House-passed version of the bill.

Please take action and fill out the below form to contact your member of Congress on this issue.

One of your Congressional Representatives must be on the House or Senate Armed Services Committee in order to send this alert.

]]>Mon, 08 Jun 2015 00:00:00 GMTCHICAGO, May 26, 2015 — Dr. Ruth Lipman has accepted the role of Director, Scientific Information for The American Dental Association (ADA). In this role, Dr. Lipman will manage the development, review and publication of objective scientific information, providing the ADA membership with clinically relevant dental research and information.

"I’m thrilled to be part of the ADA," said Dr. Lipman. "I look forward to serving ADA members and leading the development of scientific information that will help promote better oral health."

Prior to joining the ADA, Dr. Lipman was the Chief Science and Practice Officer for the American Association of Diabetes Educators (AADE) where she oversaw research efforts, reviewed evidence for practice documents and worked to increase opportunities for diabetes educators. While at the AADE, Dr. Lipman was the Principal Investigator on projects that received awards from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), Bristol-Meyers Squibb Foundation’s Together on Diabetes program and the Aetna Foundation. She was also the Principal Investigator on a cooperative agreement with the Centers for Disease Control that increased access to, participation in and sustainability of the National Diabetes Prevention Program.

Dr. Lipman has held various faculty appointments at Harvard University School of Medicine, Tufts University School of Nutrition and Worcester Polytechnic Institute. She received her Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences and a Bachelor of Science in Life Sciences from Worcester Polytechnic Institute.

About the American Dental Association
The not-for-profit ADA is the nation's largest dental association, representing more than 158,000 dentist members. The premier source of oral health information, the ADA has advocated for the public's health and promoted the art and science of dentistry since 1859. The ADA's state-of-the-art research facilities develop and test dental products and materials that have advanced the practice of dentistry and made the patient experience more positive. The ADA Seal of Acceptance long has been a valuable and respected guide to consumer dental care products. The monthly The Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA) is the ADA's flagship publication and the best-read scientific journal in dentistry. For more information about the ADA, visit ada.org. For more information on oral health, including prevention, care and treatment of dental disease, visit the ADA’s consumer website MouthHealthy.org.
]]>Thu, 28 May 2015 00:00:00 GMT

In 2014, the Indiana General Assembly approved legislation that allows, under certain circumstances, dental hygienists to practice under "prescriptive supervision." In contrast to direct supervision, prescriptive supervision means that the dentist may not be required to be present while hygiene services are being provided. The 2015 legislation clarified aspects of the 2014 bill. These changes take effect July 1, 2015.

The two primary clarifications are:

In both private and public health settings, a prescriptive supervision order is valid for 45 days.

The prohibition against a dental hygienist's use of a dental laser applies to lasers that "cut, ablate or cauterize hard or soft tissue." The change allows hygienists to use dental lasers, such as Diagnodent, for diagnostic purposes that do not affect dental tissue.

Dentists who choose to allow hygienists to practice under prescriptive supervision should be aware of practice act stipulations passed in 2014 that continue to apply. These provisions include:

In order to work under prescriptive supervision, a dental hygienist must have at least two years experience. The new rule specifies that the hygienist must have worked an average of at least 20 hours per week during that timeframe.

The dentist must record, sign and date the written order for specific care and keep a copy in the patient's record.

The patient must be notified that the dentist will not be present during the hygiene procedure.

A current medical history must be on file for all patients being treated under prescriptive supervision. The statute does not specify what must be included in that medical history.

Patients treated under prescriptive supervision must have been examined by the dentist within seven months prior to the treatment provided under prescriptive supervision.

The statute also allows for a hygienist to perform services without direct supervision if the dentist examines the patient on the same day hygiene services are provided.

Prescriptive Supervision Scenarios

You examined Patient A five months ago. She would like to come in on June 11 for a cleaning, but you will be attending the IDA Annual Session. You issue a written order for a prophy, sign and date the order, add it to the patient file and notify Patient A that you will not be present during her appointment. She can now come into the office on June 11 and get her cleaning without your being present.

Patient B was examined nine months ago. He has a 12:30 appointment today, but you are running late returning from lunch. Your hygienist Nancy notifies Patient B that you are not in the office and Patient B agrees to start his prophy. You return to the office, issue a written order for a prophy that you sign, date, and add to Patient B's file. You then examine Patient B on the same day he received his prophy.

Sally became a dental hygienist in 2010. Since that time, she has worked two days per week, eight hours per day, while her children are still toddlers. Sally is not eligible to work under prescriptive supervision because she has not worked an average of at least 20 hours per week.

]]>Wed, 27 May 2015 00:00:00 GMTADA Applauds Final Announcement on Optimal Fluoride Level in Drinking Water

WASHINGTON, April 27, 2015—The American Dental Association (ADA) today commended the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for announcing the final recommendation for the optimal level of fluoride in community water systems. The recommended ratio of fluoride to water, newly calibrated at 0.7 parts per million, results from years of scientifically rigorous analysis of the amount of fluoride people receive from all sources.

The ADA supports the recommendation, which was released for comment four years ago. The new recommendation will help ensure an effective level of fluoride to reduce the incidence of tooth decay, while minimizing the risk of cosmetic fluorosis in the general population.

“Water fluoridation is effective and safe,” said ADA President Dr. Maxine Feinberg. “It has now been 70 years since Grand Rapids, Mich., became the first U.S. city to begin adding fluoride to its water system. Since then, decades of studies and the experience of tens of millions of people have affirmed that water fluoridation helps prevent cavities in both children and adults. Today’s announcement is based on solid science.”

Extending the availability of optimally fluoridated water is one of eight initiatives of Action for Dental Health, launched by the ADA in 2013 with the goal of making good oral health available to all Americans, especially those who lack adequate access to preventive and restorative care. Through both education and advocacy, the ADA and state dental societies have set a goal to bring fluoridated water to 80 percent of the population on public water systems by 2020, using a baseline level of 74 percent in 2010.

The Association strongly urges communities that already are doing so to continue fluoridating water at the levels the government recommends. People who live in the dwindling number of non-fluoridated communities should help educate their state and local officials about the need to fluoridate. They also should talk to their dentists about other ways to ensure that they are receiving the right amount of fluoride, through such means as supplements or topical applications.

“Dentistry is proud of its record in preventing disease,” said Dr. Feinberg. “The ADA and other health organizations in the U.S. and around the world understand that community water fluoridation is one of the safest, most effective and least costly ways to do so.”

“The recommended level is now officially set at 0.7 parts per million, but the health benefits have not changed, and neither has the ADA’s commitment to bringing optimally fluoridated water to the greatest possible number of people.”

“We are so grateful for this donation, which will help us provide free dental care to 2,000 Hoosiers who cannot afford treatment,” says Dr. Sue Germain, IndianaMOM Committee Chairman. “Unmet dental needs is a serious issue that can lead to additional health concerns, like diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and more. But it also impacts overall wellbeing by causing extreme pain, difficulty eating, difficulty sleeping - even difficulty finding sustainable employment.”

The IndianaMOM event is being organized with the help of America’s Dentists Care Foundation (ADCF) which coordinates Mission of Mercy events across the nation. While this is the first MOM event in Indiana, MOM events across America have helped more than 135,000 patients and have provided nearly $76 million in free dental services since 2000.

“The Delta Dental Foundation is very proud to be the signature sponsor of Mission of Mercy in Indiana,” said Teri Battaglieri, director, Delta Dental Foundation. “We’re dedicated to improving oral health, and by supporting this event, we can provide underserved children and adults with the dental care they so desperately need and otherwise may not receive.”

IndianaMOM will be held Friday, April 24 and Saturday, April 25 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. More than 1,000 volunteers, both dental professionals and community members, are expected to serve the needs of approximately 2,000 patients.

“As you can imagine, providing care to 2,000 patients requires an abundance of resources,” says Dr. Germain. She says Delta Dental’s donation will go a long way in underwriting necessary equipment, electricity, medicines, and other infrastructure required to make the event a success.

Patients interested in obtaining dental care at the IndianaMOM event are encouraged to visit www.IndianaMOM.org or call 800-562-5646 for additional information.

About Delta Dental Foundation
The Delta Dental Foundation is a nonprofit, charitable organization established in 1980, which serves as the philanthropic arm of Delta Dental of Michigan, Ohio, Indiana and North Carolina. The Foundation’s goals are to support education and research for the advancement of dental science and to promote the oral health of the public through education and service activities, particularly for those with special needs. For more information, visit www.deltadentalin.com.

About IndianaMOM
IndianaMOM is a charitable outreach program of the Indiana Dental Association Foundation for Dental Health, Inc. (IFDH) a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization. IFDH and the IndianaMOM Committee have set a lofty goal of free dental care for 2,000 patients over two days. For more information, contact Karen Scharf at the Indiana Dental Association, 800-562-5646 or visit www.IndianaMOM.org.]]>Thu, 09 Apr 2015 00:00:00 GMTBulletin BT201509 to correct previous information on dental copays for HIP State Plan Basic members.

According to the newly released information:

The Indiana Health Coverage Programs (IHCP) Bulletin BT201508 released February 5, 2015, incorrectly states how copayments will be assessed for dental services under the HIP State Plan – Basic option. In error, BT201508 states that HIP State Plan – Basic members are subject to a $4 outpatient copay per date of service (DOS).

The assessment of copayments for dental services under HIP State Plan – Basic is corrected as follows: HIP State Plan – Basic members are subject to a $4 outpatient copay per service. If more than one service is rendered on a single DOS, a copayment will be assessed for each service.Further, providers are reminded that preventive services, such as routine cleanings, are exempt from copayment requirements.

Affected members can start accessing these services prior to receiving a mailed notification from Anthem, which will be sent in the coming weeks. Members may access these services at any time during the 24 month coverage period.

The free identity protection services provided by Anthem include:

Identity Theft Repair Assistance: Should a member experience fraud, an investigator will do the work to recover financial losses, restore the member's credit, and ensure the member's identity is returned to its proper condition. This assistance will cover any fraud that has occurred since the incident first began.

Credit Monitoring: At no cost, members may also enroll in credit monitoring, which alerts consumers when banks and creditors use their identity to open new credit accounts.

Child Identity Protection: Child-specific identity protection services will also be offered to any members with children insured through their Anthem plan.

Identity theft repair services are available to Anthem members who feel they have experienced fraud. For members who have been impacted by the cyber attack, these services are automatically available and do not require enrollment. Please visit AnthemFacts.com to learn how to access these services. Members may access identity theft repair services by calling 877-263-7995.

Additional protection is available through credit monitoring services. This requires a member to actively enroll because the member must provide their personal information and consent to have their credit monitored. Members can enroll at any time during the24 month coverage period, and can learn how to sign up at AnthemFacts.com. Members who do not have access to the Internet or who prefer telephone service may call 877-263-7995 for assistance.

Spanish-speaking members may access information at AnthemInforma.com, or receive assistance in Spanish at 877-263-7995.

Phone lines will be open from 2 to 9 p.m. ET on Friday, and will be open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET Monday to Saturday.

Members who have provided e-mails to Anthem and have opted in to receiving communications may receive an e-mail directing them to visit AnthemFacts.com to sign up for services. This e-mail is scheduled to be distributed the week of Feb. 16. This email, sent due to state notification requirements, will not ask for personal information and will not contain a link to any websites other than AnthemFacts.com.

Contact:

Media

Kristin Binns, 917-697-7802

About Anthem, Inc.
Anthem is working to transform health care with trusted and caring solutions. Our health plan companies deliver quality products and services that give their members access to the care they need. With more than 68 million people served by its affiliated companies, including more than 37 million enrolled in its family of health plans, Anthem is one of the nation's leading health benefits companies. For more information about Anthem's family of companies, please visit www.antheminc.com/companies.

]]>Fri, 13 Feb 2015 00:00:00 GMT
These scams, designed to capture personal information (known as "phishing") are designed to appear as if they are from Anthem. The emails include a “click here” link for credit monitoring. These emails are NOT from Anthem.

• DO NOT click on any links in the email.
• DO NOT reply to the email or reach out to the senders in any way.
• DO NOT supply any information on the website that may open if you click on a link in the email.
• DO NOT open any attachments that arrive with the email.

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Indiana is not calling members regarding the cyber-attack and is not asking for credit card information or social security numbers over the phone. This outreach is from scam artists who are trying to trick consumers into sharing personal data.

There is no indication that the scam email campaigns are being conducted by those that committed the cyber-attack, or that the information accessed in the attack is being used by the scammers.

Anthem will contact current and former members via mail delivered by the U.S. Postal Service about the cyber-attack with specific information on how to enroll in credit monitoring. Affected members will receive free credit monitoring and ID protection services.

Additional information about the cyber-attack against Anthem is available at www.AnthemFacts.com.

About Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Indiana
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is the trade name of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc., an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. ® ANTHEM is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield names and symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. Additional information about Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Indiana is available at www.anthem.com. Also, follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/healthjoinin, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HealthJoinIn, or visit our YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/healthjoinin]]>Fri, 06 Feb 2015 00:00:00 GMTbulletin BT201508 which a reference guide to the dental benefits covered under the HIP plan options as well asinformation about the grace periods for establishing the DentaQuest provider network and honoring existing authorizationsfor dental services for current IHCP members transitioning to HIP.

According to the bulletin:
Individuals enrolled in HIP Plus, HIP State Plan Plus, and HIP State Plan Basic are eligible for dental benefits under HIP. In general, members enrolled in HIP Basic are not eligible for dental benefits unless they are 19 or 20 years old or pregnant. t is important to check what plan a HIP member is enrolled with to confirm their eligibility for dental benefits. To determine the HIP benefit plan, consult the Eligibility Verification System (EVS) or call the telephone number on the member’s card. Eligibility will be shown as Package H and will identify the HIP plan option as HIP Basic, HIP Plus, HIP State Plan Basic, or HIP State Plan Plus.

As announced in provider bulletin BT201503, dental benefits under the Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP) are administered by DentaQuest, LLC on behalf of the three managed care entities (MCEs). Below is a quick reference guide for dental providers that outlines the network grace period, authorization grace period, and benefits under the HIP plans.

Dental Benefits under HIP

HIP Plus benefits include:

Evaluations and cleanings

Bitewing x-rays

Comprehensive x-rays

Minor restorative procedures, e.g. fillings

Major restorative procedures, e.g. crowns

HIP State Plan benefits are the same as offered to current Indiana Medicaid recipients. Members that were previously enrolled in Hoosier Healthwise that were transitioned to HIP 2.0 will maintain current benefits that they are receiving. Members enrolled in HIP State Plan-Plus or HIP State Plan-Basic are eligible to receive medically necessary dental benefits as outlined in the Medicaid Medical Policy Manual, pages 99-119. HIP State Plan-Basic members are subject to a $4 outpatient co-pay per date of service (DOS).

Members enrolled in HIP Basic are not eligible for dental benefits.

It is important to determine whether an individual is eligible for HIP Basic or HIP State Plan Basic. Members enrolled in HIP State Plan Basic are eligible to continue receiving the benefits that they were receiving when enrolled in Hoosier Healthwise. Members enrolled in HIP Basic are not eligible to receive dental benefits.

Note: All pregnant members enrolled in HIP benefit plans will be eligible for state plan dental benefits. Dental services covered for all 19 or 20 year old regardless of HIP Plan are detailed in the Health Watch/ Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment Provider Manual pages 17 to 19 available at: http://provider.indianamedicaid.com/ihcp/manuals/epsdt_healthwatch.pdf

Enrollment

DentaQuest encourages providers to Enroll Online. You can also contact one of the recruiters at 1.855.873.1283 to obtain a paper application to participate in the DentaQuest network to serve this Medicaid population. Once you are enrolled as a DentaQuest provider, you will be able to access the DentaQuest secure provider web portal to submit claims and prior authorization requests, check member eligibility, and review claims status.

HIP Network Grace Period: Providers participating in the current IHCP Network will be granted a 90-day grace period to complete the provider enrollment and credentialing process for the HIP program. DentaQuest will continue to pay claims with dates of service after 2/1/15 to current IHCP providers during the network grace period regardless of their DentaQuest credentialing status. We encourage you to complete the contracting and credentialing process immediately to ensure you and your staff are enrolled and credentialed by May 1, 2015, which is the end of the network grace period. After May 1, 2015, only DentaQuest credentialed providers participating in the HIP network will be paid for covered services.

HIP Authorization Grace Period: DentaQuest will honor all services approved by IHCP prior to February 1, 2015 for 60 days or until April 2, 2015. After the 60 day transitional period closes, DentaQuest will not honor services approved by IHCP that have not yet been rendered.

Prior Authorization and Claims Submission

Beginning 2/1/15, all HIP dental claims and prior authorization requests for DOS on or after 2/1/15 should be submitted directly to DentaQuest. All claims for DOS prior to 2/1/15 should be submitted to the State for processing. For information on HIP, DentaQuest, claims submission, prior authorization requests, contracting/ credentialing or other queries, please contact DentaQuest Provider Services at: 855.453.5286

The IDA does not encourage or discourage participation in any managed care contract. Participation is a decision each individual dentist should make in consultation with his or her attorney, accountant and/or practice management advisor.

]]>Tue, 03 Feb 2015 00:00:00 GMTSince our last update we have learned through the office of Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) that all dentists currently enrolled in any Indiana Health Coverage Program will be able to provide treatment to properly enrolled HIP 2.0 Plus patients beginning February 1, 2015. Currently enrolled dentists are not required to register with DentaQuest until May 1, 2015.

As of this writing we have not yet received policies or procedures or a provider manual from DentaQuest. As we receive additional information we will pass it along. If you have any questions about the program, please feel free to contact the IDA Central Office or email specific questions to HIP2.0@fssa.in.gov.

The Council on Government Affairs Taskforce on Dental Medicaid, chaired by Drs. Poland and Holwager, has been renamed the Taskforce on Access to Quality Dental Care. Drs. Holwager and Poland represented the Taskforce in a meeting with Secretary of FSSA Dr. John Wernert to discuss HIP 2.0 Plus and will continue to have regular meetings with him. The Taskforce has been charged with monitoring the quality and efficiency of dental benefits provided thorough the state of Indiana and will additionally serve as an intermediary and advocate for dentists, patients and the state of Indiana.

The IDA does not encourage or discourage participation in any managed care contract. Participation is a decision each individual dentist should make in consultation with his or her attorney, accountant and/or practice management advisor.

]]>Sat, 31 Jan 2015 00:00:00 GMT
The federal government issued a waiver allowing for the expansion of the Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP) effective February 1, 2015. This HIP expansion will allow 350,000 low income Hoosiers to enroll in a state-sponsored health plan. HIP 2.0 Basic Plan will have no dental coverage. HIP 2.0 Plus plan requires a premium contribution from participants and includes expanded benefits including dental and vision coverage. DentaQuest has been contracted to provide the dental provider network for these services.

We have been informed by the Office of Medicaid and Policy Planning (OMPP) that dental services covered under HIP 2.0 Plus include:

evaluations and cleanings (2 per person per benefit year)

bitewing x-rays (4 x-rays per person per benefit year)

comprehensive x-rays (1 complete set every 5 years)

minor restorative services, such as fillings (4 per person per benefit year)

major restorative services, such as crowns (1 per person per benefit year)

While we have received no official statement from DentaQuest regarding the package, we have been told the reimbursement fees for HIP 2.0 Plus procedures may be 30% above the current Medicaid fee schedule.

The IDA does not encourage or discourage participation in any managed care contract. Participation is a decision each individual dentist should make in consultation with his or her attorney, accountant and/or practice management advisor.

CHICAGO, January 15, 2015 — An updated ADA clinical practice guideline, last evaluated in 2012, finds that in general, for patients with prosthetic joint implants, the use of prophylactic antibiotics, or antibiotics administered to prevent the risk of infection, are not recommended prior to dental procedures to prevent prosthetic joint infection (PJIs). The guidance, included in the January issue of The Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA), was created by a panel of experts tasked by the ADA Council on Scientific Affairs.

“The panel found that the current best evidence failed to demonstrate an association between dental procedures and prosthetic joint infection,” said Dr. Thomas Hart, Chair of the ADA Council on Scientific Affairs. “However, this guideline should be integrated with professional judgment and used along with other available, patient-specific data, needs and preferences to determine an evidence-based approach to care.”

Dentists should note that there does not appear to be a conflict between the updated ADA prosthetic joint infection practice guideline and a recent Lancet publication on infective endocarditis. "Prosthetic joint infection and infective endocarditis are different disorders," said Dr. Thomas Sollecito, who is one of nine members of the panel. "They have different risk factors. The microorganisms involved in PJIs are often from different ecosystems than the oral cavity whereas those in infective endocarditis can be from the mouth."

This recommendation clarifies findings in the 2012 guidelines entitled, “Prevention of Orthopaedic Implant Infection in Patients Undergoing Dental Procedures: Evidence-based Guideline and Evidence Report,” which a 2012 panel of American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and ADA authors co-developed.

The full recommendation, entitled, "The Use of Prophylactic Antibiotics Prior to Dental Procedures in Patients with Prosthetic Joints: Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline for Dental Practitioners," can be accessed in the January 2015 print edition of JADA and the JADA website.

The Indiana Dental Association (IDA) has announced that Medical Protective (MedPro), the national leader in dental liability insurance, is the newly endorsed insurance carrier for members of the IDA, effective January 1, 2015.

“For over a century, MedPro has been protecting the assets and reputations of Indiana dentists,” said Eric Clark, Vice President and Dental Leader for MedPro. “Based in Fort Wayne, we are an Indiana company and are very pleased to have collaborated with the Indiana Dental Association to create a program that provides the highest quality liability coverage available to Indiana dentists and oral and maxillofacial surgeons.”

Doug Bush, Executive Director for the Indiana Dental Association, said, “The IDA is pleased to enter a new relationship with Medical Protective. Medical Protective is a nationally respected company that has remained true to its Indiana roots. It’s a solid company with an excellent reputation for protecting medical and dental professionals.”

About Medical Protective
With over $800 million in annual premium, MedPro is a national leader in healthcare liability insurance coverage and risk solutions for physicians, dentists, hospitals and healthcare systems, as well as other healthcare facilities and healthcare professionals. As the nation's first provider of healthcare liability insurance, MedPro has been protecting the assets and reputations of healthcare providers for more than 115 years. Healthcare liability insurance products are underwritten and provided by The Medical Protective Company, Princeton Insurance Company, MedPro RRG Risk Retention Group – all rated A++ (Superior) by A.M. Best – and other Berkshire Hathaway affiliates, on both admitted and excess and surplus paper, and are distributed through a nationwide network of appointed agents and brokers. MedPro is a Berkshire Hathaway business. More information about MedPro is available at www.medpro.com.]]>Wed, 14 Jan 2015 00:00:00 GMT
Updated Bulletin dated January 6, 2015

HP has identified an issue with the claims processing system. This issue affects claims processed December 24, 25, 26, and 29, 2014. Claims may have been inappropriately paid or denied with one of the following explanation of benefit (EOB) codes. If claims were inappropriately paid or denied with other EOBs, they will be corrected as well.

4185 - The claim did not process through National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI) editing. The claim will be reprocessed or adjusted at a later date. Please monitor future Remittance Advice statements for processing activity related to this claim

3001 - Service requires prior authorization

HP began reprocessing and mass adjusting claims associated with this issue December 24, 2014. Providers will see adjusted and reprocessed claims appear on Remittance Advices (RAs) dated January 6 and January 13, 2015.

Original Bulletin

HP has identified an issue with the claims processing system. This issue affects claims processed December 24, 25, and 26, 2014. Claims may have been inappropriately paid or denied. Providers will see the following explanation of benefits (EOB) codes on their Remittance Advices (RAs):

4185 - The claim did not process through National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI) editing. The claim will be reprocessed or adjusted at a later date. Please monitor future Remittance Advice statements for processing activity related to this claim

HP is reprocessing and mass adjusting all claims associated with this issue as of today. Providers will begin seeing reprocessed and adjusted claims on Remittance Advices (RAs) as of Tuesday, January 6, 2015.

What is oral health? It's a short question that needs a comprehensive yet clear and simple answer.

The ADA Council on Scientific Affairs discussed the different dimensions involved in defining oral health and reached a consensus that achieved approval at the 2014 House of Delegates.

The CSA drafted the definition and then sought feedback from multiple organizations in the U.S. and abroad before bringing it to the 2014 House.

"The process was lengthy but highly organized," said Dr. Edmond Truelove, past chair of the CSA and an oral medicine professor at the University of Washington School of Dentistry.

Dr. Daniel Meyer, ADA chief science officer, and Dr. Michael Glick, editor of The Journal of the American Dental Association, described the CSA's process and the foundational concepts used in the definition in the June 2014 edition of JADA.

"No matter how oral health is defined, the message remains: Oral health is essential to an individual's general health and quality of life," they wrote. "To that end, it should be a key element in beneficial health policies."

The definition, adopted from Resolution 97H-2014, states: Oral health is a functional, structural, aesthetic, physiologic and psychosocial state of well-being and is essential to an individual's general health and quality of life.

"The strength of this definition is its linkage with health and well-being as opposed to disease and it is structurally integrated, not just teeth and gums," said Dr. Eugenio Beltran, senior director, ADA Center for Scientific Strategies & Information.

Dr. Truelove described the definition as broad-based and inclusive. He expressed pride in how the CSA managed the process, including the management of cross-organizational involvement, and in the culmination of House approval.

The expectation is that the definition will serve dentistry and patients well. "I hope that it will guide the profession and others to further appreciate the critical importance of oral health and the essential role the profession plays within society and the health care community in contributing to the health of our patients and of society at large," said Dr. Truelove.]]>Tue, 06 Jan 2015 00:00:00 GMT
Clarification to dental providers regarding the rendering and reimbursement of dental services
The Indiana Health Coverage Programs (IHCP) is not making any changes to the way dental services under the fee-for-service (FFS) or Hoosier Healthwise programs are delivered or reimbursed. Members, including those enrolled with managed care entities (MCEs), may continue to receive covered dental services from any enrolled dental provider, and claims for services rendered will continue to be reimbursed as fee for-service (FFS) claims through HP as they are today.

Some confusion has occurred because the Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP) MCEs –Anthem, MDwise, and MHS – have begun contacting dental vendors in advance of the possible approval of the HIP 2.0 waiver application. The MCEs’ intent is to begin building MCE provider networks in preparation for an expansion of services if approval is received. All three HIP MCEs have contracted with DentaQuest, a dental benefits manager, to build their respective HIP 2.0 dental networks. DentaQuest has begun reaching out to dental providers regarding contracting opportunities to provide covered services to HIP 2.0 members. Providers are encouraged to contract with these vendors now, in preparation for potential HIP 2.0 approval, to ensure that a sufficient network of dental providers will be available to HIP 2.0 members if approval is granted.

Notice of information regarding coverage, billing, and other program changes related to HIP 2.0 will be provided through official IHCP publications.

Information provided by Indiana Health Coverage Programs BR201449 December 9, 2014]]>Wed, 10 Dec 2014 00:00:00 GMT
February 9-13, 2015 in New York
The American Dental Association Center for Evidence-Based Dentistry (EBD) is collaborating with the New York University (NYU) College of Dentistry to offer a one-week intensive course on evidence-based dentistry, formerly offered as the ADA/Forsyth EBD Course. Applications are being accepted until Dec. 29.

The workshop will be held at the NYU School of Dentistry in New York, Feb. 9-13. An interactive program with multiple hands-on activities, the course is relevant for dentists, members of the dental team, educators and researchers. This program is worth up to 35 continuing education credits.

The tuition of $2,000 for ADA members and $2,500 for non-members includes course materials and lunch. Participants will be responsible for their travel and housing in New York. For more information go to EBD.ADA.org, or contact the ADA Center for Evidence-Based Dentistry at ebd@ada.org.

]]>Fri, 05 Dec 2014 00:00:00 GMTcontact them about this issue through ADA Engage.

The House-passed legislation would allow businesses to deduct up to $500,000 for investments in new equipment and property, phasing out for investments exceeding $2 million. Without the incentive the current law provides, many dentists would find it more difficult to purchase the equipment necessary to deliver the high-quality dental care patients in this country have come to expect from their dentists.

Please take action and urge your Senators to pass the tax extenders bill just passed by the House of Representatives.

Information on the supply and distribution of licensed dentists in Indiana is critical to improve healthcare delivery throughout our state. For a number of years, a survey which collects this data has been administered biennially. We are again asking for your assistance in gathering this information by completing the web-based survey.

The online survey will take only a few minutes to complete and is completely voluntary and confidential.

In September, the DEA issued a final rule about the disposal of controlled substances by DEA registrants and ultimate users. Among the options, the rule stated that hospitals and clinics with on-site pharmacies could have collection receptacles or voluntary mail-back programs in accordance with the rule.

Following the rule's publication, the DEA learned that some health care practitioners misunderstood how they should dispose of drug waste. For example, if a dentist or physician gave a patient a shot and there was leftover substance in the syringe, how should they go about disposing it?

The DEA sent a letter to health care practitioners Oct. 17 stating that the remaining substance should be properly recorded, stored and destroyed in accordance with DEA regulations and all other applicable laws and regulations. "The DEA registrant shall not place such remaining, unusable controlled substance in a collection receptacle as a means of disposal," according to the letter.

The link is available here. Those with questions about the rule can contact their local DEA field office or the DEA Office of Diversion Control, Liaison and Policy Section at 1-202-307-7297.]]>Mon, 03 Nov 2014 00:00:00 GMT

Ellicott City, Md. – CDC data presented at an Oct. 23-24 dental conference shows a downward trend in early childhood caries in the United States.

“Untreated decay is now on a downward trend,” Dr. Bruce Dye, dental epidemiology officer at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Center for Health Statistics told some 260 dentists, academicians, dental personnel, industry representatives, researchers and students. “Treated decay is on an upward trend. Most of what we’re seeing is based on treated disease.”

The preliminary unpublished data represents “a first look at where we are in the United States” now, said Dr. Dye. A CDC report on the data is in preparation and will be released “in the next few months.”

In a slide presentation on the prevalence and measurement of early childhood caries (ECC), Dr. Dye said measurements and definitions have varied over time but the review of the literature suggests that earlier reported upward caries trends have recently been reversed. He described many terms that have been used to describe dental caries in primary teeth. These include baby bottle tooth decay, nursing bottle mouth, nursing bottle caries, nursing bottle syndrome, bottle-popping caries, milk bottle syndrome and prolong nursing habit caries. Studies have reported on the prevalence and severity of dental caries in preschool children using these different terms. The current case definition from the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research labeled as ECC is the presence of at least one carious lesion on a primary tooth in a child under the age of 6 years.

“The greater proportion of caries experience in the U.S. among 2-5 year olds has clearly shifted towards more restored dental surfaces for all 20 primary teeth as well as just for the upper anterior incisors,” Dr. Dye said in a slide presentation. “Observed increase in the prevalence of restored primary teeth suggests a decade’s long trend of increase[d] treatment of caries in preschool children.”

The University of Maryland School of Dentistry offered the conference on innovations in the prevention and treatment of early childhood caries with educational grants from the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, DentaQuest Foundation, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Health Resources and Services Administration and the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research.

]]>Fri, 31 Oct 2014 00:00:00 GMT

In 2014, an estimated 181 million Americans will not visit a dentist1.
In 2010, more than 2.1 million people visited an emergency room due to unaddressed dental pain2.

The ADA is addressing these concerns to access to dental care through the Action for Dental Health (ADH) Campaign. It is a community-based, three-pronged approach to:

Provide care now to people who suffer from untreated dental disease;

Strengthen and expand the public/private safety net; and

Bring disease prevention and education into communities.

To support this effort, we are asking Congress to pass the Action for Dental Health Act. To date, over 42 members of Congress have signed onto the bill. This $20 million proposal will implement key initiatives of the ADH Campaign that will both reduce barriers to care and address the dental health crisis in America.

When Congress returns after the elections, we have one more opportunity to push H.R. 4395 in the 113th Congress. We need your help to build on the momentum of the 2014 Washington Leadership Congress where over 500 ADA member dentists personally advocated for this legislation.

Thank you for taking action and supporting this effort. Lastly, we hope you will share our ADH video via your social networks to help us further public support and recognition of this important grassroots movement.

Each year, the Council on Dental Benefit Programs' Code Maintenance Committee approves additions, revisions and deletions to the Code on Dental Procedures and Nomenclature. Change requests can come from anyone, but they typically are submitted by individual dentists, dental specialty organizations, the ADA and third-party payers.

The CMC has already received 39 submissions; 19 of which are from dentists and other individuals in the dental community and six from a dental specialty organization. The ADA has also submitted a handful of change requests.

The purpose of the CDT Code is to achieve uniformity, consistency and specificity in accurately reporting dental treatment by dentists. One use of the CDT Code is to provide for the efficient processing of dental claims, and another is to populate an Electronic Health Record. In federal regulations published under authority of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, the CDT Code is named as the sole standard for reporting dental procedures on electronic claims, and the ADA is recognized as the owner responsible for its annual review and maintenance.

"The strength of the process and the credibility of the codes in the publication comes from the involvement of dentists," said Dr. Charles Hoffman, CMC chair. "The CDT is the dentists' book so we encourage dentists to participate in the process and have their say in what their book says."

The CMC meets March 5-7 at ADA Headquarters in Chicago, and the meeting is open to the public.

To learn more about the process and to download a change request form, visit ADA.org/publications/CDT. ADA staff members are also available to answer questions about the CDT Code by contacting the Association's toll free number or emailing dentalcode@ada.org.

Immediate dental procedure coding needs can be satisfied by the suite of CDT 2015 publications. CDT 2015 comes in three formats: a 180-page book (J015), $39.95 for members and $59.95 retail; an e-book (J015D), $29.95 for members and $44.95 retail; and a print and e-book bundle (J015B), $49.95 for members and $69.95 retail.

The new CDT 2015 Companion features a new chapter that links frequently used CDT codes with possible diagnosis codes. This supports dentists whose patients have systemic conditions and dental benefit plans that provide additional reimbursement for certain procedures.

For example, reporting diabetes or pregnancy on the claim can trigger coverage for additional prophylaxes.

Purchased separately, the 242-page CDT 2015 Companion workbook (J445) is $49.95 for members and $74.95 retail. The e-book version (J445D) is $39.95 for members and $59.95 retail; the print and e-book bundle (J445B) is $59.95 for members and $84.95 retail.

More information about these product offerings is available online at ADACatalog.org or by calling 1-800-947-4746.]]>Fri, 24 Oct 2014 00:00:00 GMTCHICAGO, Oct. 17, 2014 – Maxine Feinberg, D.D.S., who practices periodontics in Cranford, N.J., was recently installed as president of the American Dental Association (ADA) during a recent meeting of the ADA House of Delegates in San Antonio. Dr. Feinberg is the third female to serve as the president of the 158,000-member organization.

Prior to becoming the ADA’s president, Dr. Feinberg served as president elect from 2013 to 2014. A longtime ADA member, Dr. Feinberg’s previous positions in organized dentistry have included serving as Fourth District Trustee to the ADA House of Delegates and as president of the New Jersey Dental Association, the first woman to serve in that position. She also served as president of the New Jersey State Board of Dentistry and as a delegate in both the ADA and New Jersey Dental Association’s House of Delegates.

Dr. Feinberg is a fellow in the American College of Dentists, the International College of Dentists and the Pierre Fauchard Academy.

A graduate of New York University and the New York University College of Dentistry, Dr. Feinberg lives in Westfield, N.J., with her husband, John Wynne, and daughters, Haley and Rebecca.

###About the American Dental Association
The not-for-profit ADA is the nation's largest dental association, representing more than 158,000 dentist members. The premier source of oral health information, the ADA has advocated for the public's health and promoted the art and science of dentistry since 1859. The ADA's state-of-the-art research facilities develop and test dental products and materials that have advanced the practice of dentistry and made the patient experience more positive. The ADA Seal of Acceptance long has been a valuable and respected guide to consumer dental care products. The monthly The Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA) is the ADA's flagship publication and the best-read scientific journal in dentistry. For more information about the ADA, visit ada.org. For more information on oral health, including prevention, care and treatment of dental disease, visit the ADA’s consumer website MouthHealthy.org.

]]>Fri, 17 Oct 2014 00:00:00 GMTADA Committee Appointments

Two IDA members have been appointed to ADA committees during the 2014 ADA Annual Session in San Antonio, Texas.

Dr. Jim Lipton (Northwest District Dental Society) has been appointed to the ADA Council on Members Insurance and Retirement Programs. The Council on Members Insurance and Retirement Programs is the agency of the American Dental Association whose purpose is to enhance the value of ADA membership by overseeing the sponsored insurance and endorsed retirement programs and by aiding dentists in the management of their personal and professional risks through educational activities, informational programs and services.

Dr. Steve Ellinwood (Isaac Knapp District Dental Society) has been appointed to the ADA Council on Membership. The Council on Membership is the ADA agency composed of volunteer dentists whose responsibility is to monitor membership trends; to collect information to assess members' needs in order to facilitate the analysis and transfer of this information throughout the Association; to encourage the development and promotion of member benefits in order to maintain high levels of membership; and, to increase membership, preserving the ADA's place as the unified voice of dentistry.

]]>Thu, 16 Oct 2014 00:00:00 GMT
A person infected with Ebola is not considered contagious until symptoms appear. Due to the virulent nature of the disease, it is highly unlikely that someone with Ebola symptoms will seek dental care when they are severely ill. However, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the ADA Division of Science, dental professionals are advised to take a medical history, including a travel history from their patients with symptoms in which a viral infection is suspected.

Any person within 21 days of returning from the West African countries Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea may be at risk of having contacted persons infected with Ebola and may not exhibit symptoms. If this is the case, dental professionals are advised to delay routine dental care of the patient until 21 days have elapsed from their trip. Palliative care for serious oral health conditions, dental infections and pain can be provided if necessary after consulting with the patient’s physician and conforming to standard precautions and physical barriers.

An elevated temperature (fever) is often a consequence of infection, but Ebola is not the only infection that may have similar signs and symptoms. The most common signs and symptoms of Ebola infection are:

fever (greater than 38.6°C or 101.5°F) and severe headache

muscle pain

vomiting

diarrhea

stomach pain or unexplained bleeding or bruising

You are advised not to treat dental patients if they have these signs and symptoms for Ebola. If a patient is feeling feverish and their travel history indicates they may be at risk of Ebola, dental professionals and staff in contact with the patient should:

ask the health department to provide you and your staff with the most up-to-date guidance on removing and disposing of potentially contaminated materials and equipment, including the physical barriers.

The Ebola virus is spread through direct contact (through broken skin or mucous membranes) with blood and body fluids (urine, feces, saliva, vomit and semen) of a person who is sick with Ebola, or with objects (like needles) that have been contaminated with the virus. Ebola is not spread through the air or by water or, in general, by food. Again, there is no reported risk of transmission of Ebola from asymptomatic infected patients.

Please visit ADA.org/ebola for continued updates on this important public health issue.]]>Thu, 16 Oct 2014 00:00:00 GMTCarol Summerhays, D.D.S., a general dentist in in San Diego, is the new president-elect of the American Dental Association (ADA). Dr. Summerhays was recently elected during a meeting of the ADA House of Delegates in San Antonio. She will assume the role of president of the ADA in November 2015, when she will lead the 158,000-member organization, America’s leading advocate for oral health.

Dr. Summerhays served as Thirteenth District Trustee to the ADA House of Delegates. Some of her past positions include past president of the California Dental Association as well as a board member of The Dentists Insurance Company and the CDA Foundation. She has also held positions with the Academy of General Dentistry and was a Board member for 10 years at the Pankey Institute.

Dr. Summerhays graduated from the University of San Francisco with a bachelor’s degree in Biology and earned her dental degree from the University of Southern California School of Dentistry in 1978. She attended dental school on a full scholarship through the Armed Forces Health Professions program.

Dr. Summerhays served four years on active duty in the Navy Dental Corps and 11 years of inactive duty rising to the rank of lieutenant. She started full time private practice in 1982.

She is a Fellow of the American College of Dentistry, the International College of Dentistry, the Academy of Dentistry International, the Academy of General Dentistry, and the Pierre Fauchard Academy. Additionally, she earned a Master in the Academy of General Dentistry and the AGD LLSR Lifelong learning and Service Recognition Award.

In San Diego, Dr. Summerhays was honored in 2010 by the Salvation Army as one of the “Women of Dedication—Portraits in Philanthropy” and by the Girl Scouts as one of “San Diego’s 10 Cool Women.” She and her husband of 31 years, Soames Summerhays, have two sons, Giles and Bryce.
]]>Wed, 15 Oct 2014 00:00:00 GMT
In light of the first confirmed Ebola case diagnosed in the U.S., the American Dental Associaiton has partnered with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to ensure that all ADA dentists remain informed and vigilant on behalf of their patients, their dental team members and the public at large.

As reported in the ADA News, the ADA contacted the Centers for Disease Control in early September about the Ebola issue, and the CDC's guidance to dental professionals remains the same now as then:

CDC works with partners at ports of entry into the United States to help prevent infectious diseases, like Ebola, from being introduced and spread in the United States.

A person infected with Ebola is not contagious until symptoms appear. Signs and symptoms of Ebola include fever (greater than 38.6°C or 101.5°F) and severe headache, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain or unexplained bleeding or bruising.

The virus is spread through direct contact [CDC emphasis] (through broken skin or mucous membranes) with blood and body fluids (urine, feces, saliva, vomit and semen) of a person who is sick with Ebola, or with objects (like needles) that have been contaminated with the virus. Ebola is not spread through the air or by water or, in general, by food.

Dental providers should continue to follow standard infection control procedures.

The ADA remains in contact with the CDC on this issue and will continue to share pertinent developments with you.]]>Fri, 03 Oct 2014 00:00:00 GMT
In a statement accompanying the rule, Kenneth J. Kopocis, deputy assistant administrator for EPA's Office of Water, praised the ADA for its work on this issue. The Association has consulted with the EPA as it developed the rule and supports a reasonable national pretreatment standard for amalgam waste so long as it is not unduly burdensome on dental professionals.

The proposed rule is based largely on the Association's best management practices, including the use of amalgam separators, collection devices installed in dental office plumbing to capture and remove at least 95 percent of solid waste particles before they enter the sewer system. In 2007, the ADA updated its best management practices for the disposal of dental amalgam waste to include the use of separators, which allow easier recycling and reduce the amount of amalgam entering wastewater treatment plants. Very little—less than 1 percent—of the mercury released into the environment comes from dentistry.]]>Mon, 29 Sep 2014 00:00:00 GMTMake your reservations online and take advantage of the IDA group rating before the rooms are completely gone.

Be watching for Annual Session registration which will be available in October,

The IndianaMOM Committee has set a lofty goal of charitable dental care for 2,000 patients over the two days. Over 300 dentists, dental specialists, registered dental hygienists, along with more than 1,000 support volunteers are needed.

Currently, the number one need of the IndianaMOM project is financial support. The estimated budget for the event is $250,000 in funds and in-kind donations, of which approximately $60,000 has already been raised. All financial donations are made to the IDA Foundation and are tax deductible. If every IDA member donated just $100, we would be well on our way to reaching our goal.

Over the congressional recess in August, many Members of the House of Representatives heard harrowing stories from their constituents, including many ADA members, about the overwhelming burden to businesses caused by the government’s ever-increasing regulatory overreach.

This week, the House of Representatives will vote on pro-growth legislation, H.R. 4 the “Jobs for America Act,” sponsored by Representative Dave Camp that pulls together provisions from several bills to address jobs and economic growth, regulatory reform, taxes, and other related issues. This omnibus bill will contain language that would enable our elected officials in Congress to have greater control in preventing rules that needlessly hinder the way you run your dental practices.

One issue that could be ameliorated under this bill is the ordering and referring requirements under Medicare Part D (included in the Affordable Care Act). Under this rule, as of June 2015 dentists will be required to complete paperwork either to enroll in or opt-out of Medicare in an effort to reduce fraud. Most routine dental treatment is not covered by Medicare, which is why most dentists have not enrolled in Medicare or have not seen any reason to opt-out. No provider receives reimbursement for writing a prescription so there is no reason to enroll in Medicare or opt out just to prescribe medications to a Medicare eligible patient. The relationship between the dentists and their patients as well as between dentists and pharmacists could be adversely affected if the prescribing dentist has not enrolled or opted out because the pharmacist will not be paid by Medicare for the prescription. Also, patients who pay for prescriptions themselves will not be reimbursed by Medicare.

If passed, the bill would enhance the ability of Congress to ensure that unfunded mandates such as the Medicare Part D rule can be examined during the entire regulatory process; even providing assessments after rules are finalized. Additionally, other provisions in the legislation would require federal agencies to give dentists a seat at the table during the rulemaking process, and would allow the ADA to sue the government when agencies finalize significant rules that cause undue burdens on dentistry. Another important provision would require Congress to approve all new major regulations, ensuring that regulations fit the scope and spirit of the law. This would be an important step toward holding both regulators and Congress accountable for imposing regulations on the private sector.

The ADA is working hard to pass this legislation, and we need your help. Please contact your Representative and let him or her know that you support this critical regulatory reform omnibus legislation. For more information, contact Mindi Walker, congressional lobbyist at walker@ada.org.

]]>Tue, 16 Sep 2014 00:00:00 GMTA dentist recently reported to the IDA Central Office that he and a number of his colleagues in northeast Indiana have been contacted by an individual seeking pain medications. While the name changes, the story is the same: He has a 14-year-old daughter who is in pain and needs immediate relief.

While such drug seekers have been around for years, the problem is growing. The CDC reports that prescription medication abuse is reaching epidemic proportions. Approximately 100 Americans die from drug overdoses every day, with half of the fatalities involving prescription drugs.

An effective tool to assist dentists in combating drug abuse and diversion is the State of Indiana's INSPECT program. For more information visit www.in.gov/pla/inspect.

According to the DEA, the reclassification will protect public health and safety by reducing the potential for abuse, dependence and diversion of these highly-addictive substances while still ensuring that they're available to patients with legitimate medical need and in ongoing consultation with the health care professional.

HCPs are the most frequently-prescribed drugs in the U.S. More than 137 million prescriptions for HCPs were written in 2013 and nearly 7 million Americans abuse controlled-substance prescription medications, including opioid painkillers. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that each year more than 27,000 people, 75 per day, die from opioid-related causes. To put this in perspective, more people – especially those between ages 25 and 64 – die from prescription drug overdoses than from car accidents.

The ADA has been following this issue since 2012, when the DEA asked the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for an advisory opinion about the public health impact of rescheduling hydrocodone-containing drug products. The ADA and AAOMS commented at every stage the rescheduling was being considered. Both organizations even testified before an FDA advisory panel. Find out more at http://www.ada.org/en/advocacy/advocacy-issues/prescription-drug-abuse.

For a list of Frequently Asked Questions on the HCP reclassification, including how it impacts practices, prescriptions and patients, please log into the IDA Member Center.]]>Mon, 08 Sep 2014 00:00:00 GMT
In anticipation that the attendees will be visiting some members of Congress, the American Dental Association has taken several actions. In early August a letter was sent to all members of Congress noting the impending 70th anniversary of fluoridation and detailing why it is important to provide the benefits of fluoridated water. In the first week of September, an “action alert” was sent to those member dentists who often write Congress about dental issues. The alert asks them to contact their Congressional representatives to provide their viewpoint on fluoridation. Additionally, background documents on fluoridation (including IQ) have been prepared to assist staff in discussing these issues with members of Congress on a follow-up basis.

FAN has clearly stated the objectives of their efforts which include: 1) ask for Congressional hearings to end fluoridation; 2) ask for Congressional assistance to get the EPA to set the MCLG at zero; 2) call on the FDA to regulate fluoride in water and 3) ask Congress to defund the DOH at the CDC.

ADA Stance on Fluoride

The American Dental Association unreservedly endorses the fluoridation of community water supplies as safe, effective and necessary in preventing tooth decay. This support has been the Association's position since policy was first adopted in 1950. Today, studies prove water fluoridation continues to be effective in reducing tooth decay by at least 25%, even in an era with widespread availability of fluoride from other sources, such as fluoride toothpaste.

Since the inception of water fluoridation, the American Dental Association has carefully monitored scientific research regarding safety and efficacy. Based on that review, the Association has continually reaffirmed water fluoridation as the most effective public health measure for the prevention of dental caries and strongly urges that its benefits be extended to those served by communal water systems.

]]>Fri, 05 Sep 2014 00:00:00 GMTCHICAGO, Sept. 3, 2014 — The American Dental Association (ADA) announces the release of CDT 2015. New books, training tools, and an app help dental professionals stay current on dental coding. Don’t wait until it’s too late – allow time for staff training before the codes go into effect on Jan. 1, 2015.

The new CDT 2015: Dental Procedure Codes is the only HIPAA-recognized code set for dentistry. Code changes include 15 new procedure codes, 52 revised procedure codes, and 5 deleted procedure codes. It also comes with a searchable CD-ROM.

The CDT 2015 Companion: Help Guide and Training Manual educates staff on how to code dental office claims quickly and accurately and successfully submit them for reimbursement. The Companion contains more than 150 coding questions and answers, 26 coding exercises, 15 quizzes and a continuing education (CE) test worth 5 CE credits.

The CDT Code Check app, which will be available October 1 for iOS and Android mobile devices, will make CDT codes always accessible. The app will contain a searchable database of both the 2015 and 2014 CDT Codes; a list of new, revised and deleted codes with tracked changes; and a “favorites” section for storing your most frequently used codes.

To purchase any of the CDT coding products, please visit adacatalog.org or call the ADA Member Service Center at (800) 947-4746.

About the American Dental Association
The not-for-profit ADA is the nation's largest dental association, representing 157,000 dentist members. The premier source of oral health information, the ADA has advocated for the public's health and promoted the art and science of dentistry since 1859. The ADA's state-of-the-art research facilities develop and test dental products and materials that have advanced the practice of dentistry and made the patient experience more positive. The ADA Seal of Acceptance long has been a valuable and respected guide to consumer dental care products. The monthly The Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA) is the ADA's flagship publication and the best-read scientific journal in dentistry. For more information about the ADA, visit ada.org. For more information on oral health, including prevention, care and treatment of dental disease, visit the ADA’s consumer website MouthHealthy.org.

]]>Wed, 03 Sep 2014 00:00:00 GMTIDA member Dr. Jane Chen of Indianapolis stepped up to the plate and donated “a very good, working, Pelton and Crane Autoclave, which is now being used in the clinic,” according to Dr. Bob Canida, dental clinic volunteer.

Thanks to several recent donations, the clinic now has an AT 2000 automatic X-Ray processor available that they are ready to donate to any other community clinic. The processor would also be offered secondarily to a dentist or non-charitable clinic for a monetary or in-kind donation.

The dental clinic was started in 2008 and received equipment donations from IDA members and the IDA Foundation on Dental Health. Since its inception, the clinic has provided well over a half million dollars woth of dental services. The clinic is manned by IDA members Drs. Bob Canida, Gus Dunker,Rick Kortokrax, and Larry Crisafulli.

For more information on the available AT 2000 processor, or to get involved in the dental clinic, contact the Jefferson County Salvation Army at 812-265-2157.

For information on getting involved in other charitable dental clinics throughout the state, contact the Indiana Dental Association at 800-562-5646.

]]>Mon, 11 Aug 2014 00:00:00 GMTWashington, D.C., July 21, 2014 –According to a new report published in Medical Care, some young adults are enjoying extended dental coverage under the health care policies of their parents, whose employers are voluntarily expanding dental coverage in conjunction with expanded medical coverage. Although the Affordable Care Act (ACA) allows parents to keep their children on their medical plans up to age 26, there is no similar requirement for dental coverage.

Analyzing two years of post-reform data, the report’s authors found that the ACA’s expanded dependent coverage provision increased access to dental care for young adults ages 19-25 by 6.9 percentage points. Given that the pre-reform coverage rate for this group was 38 percent, this is a significant increase. Utilization of dental services had also increased by 3.3 percentage points. Finally, the study showed that the ACA policy led to a 2.0 percentage point decrease in the likelihood of this age group experiencing financial barriers to dental care.

The ACA medical coverage expansion’s effect on dental coverage could slow a trend in recent years that has seen fewer young adults seeking and receiving routine dental care.

ADA President Charles Norman, D.D.S. praised the report. “Given that the ACA fell far short of what it should have done for adult dental coverage, this at least is encouraging news,” he said.

“The fact remains that this segment of the population is just that—only a segment,” Dr. Norman said. “Millions of Americans continue to face barriers to dental care, which is why the ADA created Action for Dental Health, a nationwide, community-based movement designed to ensure that everyone, including the most vulnerable among us, have access to the best quality of dental care America’s dentists can provide.”

Medical Care is a journal of the American Public Health Association.

###

About the American Dental Association
The not-for-profit ADA is the nation's largest dental association, representing 157,000 dentist members. The premier source of oral health information, the ADA has advocated for the public's health and promoted the art and science of dentistry since 1859. The ADA's state-of-the-art research facilities develop and test dental products and materials that have advanced the practice of dentistry and made the patient experience more positive. The ADA Seal of Acceptance long has been a valuable and respected guide to consumer dental care products. The monthly The Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA) is the ADA's flagship publication and the best-read scientific journal in dentistry. For more information about the ADA, visit www.ada.org. For more information on oral health, including prevention, care and treatment of dental disease, visit the ADA’s consumer website www.MouthHealthy.org.
]]>Mon, 21 Jul 2014 00:00:00 GMT
This is an IDA Members Only article. Please log into the Member Center to continue reading.]]>Mon, 30 Jun 2014 00:00:00 GMTTobacco Cessation Toolkit for Indiana Dental Practices.

Tobacco use, which remains the leading cause of preventable disease and death in the U.S. today, can have a significant impact on oral health. Thus, it becomes imperative to provide resources to all oral healthcare providers to assist them in actively addressing tobacco use and dependence in their patient populations. As many oral health professionals cite a lack of appropriate informational resources as the key barrier to engaging in such discussions with their patients, a resourceful toolkit can be a great aide for the dental team. Led by Dr. Laura Romito, Associate Professor of Oral Biology at IUSD, the development of the Tobacco Cessation Toolkit for Indiana Dental Practiceswas a collaborative effort over nearly two years between the Indiana University School of Dentistry (IUSD), the IUPUI School of Public Health, and IDA’s member dentists and leadership.

TheToolkitis a streamlined, yet comprehensive guide that provides the dental team what they need to effectively address patient tobacco use. Divided into sections for easy reference, the Toolkit provides information on 1) Indiana tobacco use prevalence and costs 2) oral health effects, 3) the physiology of nicotine dependence, 4) tobacco cessation pharmacotherapy, 5) cessation counseling, 6) insurance coverage /coding for tobacco interventions, 7) a step by step process for developing a tobacco cessation program with key roles for each member of the dental team, 8) common barriers to providing tobacco interventions and potential solutions, and 9) additional resources and contacts.

The Toolkit can be used to:

Provide important information to your patients about the effects of smoking and smokeless tobacco to their oral and overall health, and that of their family.

Provide information to your patients about the benefits of quitting tobacco.

Assist your patient with their quitting by referring to the treatment modalities as recommended by the US Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service 2008 Clinical Practice Guideline: Treating Tobacco Use and Dependence.

Assist you and your entire dental team in helping your patients quit, by outlining the roles of every member of your dental team.

Anticipate roadblocks faced by your dental team and the patients in his/her quitting attempts and provide possible solutions to such barriers.

Provide resources and referral options for dentists and patients.

We hope that the Toolkit will serve as an important resource to all Indiana oral healthcare professionals that will facilitate greater awareness and involvement tobacco dependence prevention and treatment interventions to their patients.

The Tobacco Cessation Toolkit can be downloaded from the IDA Member Center.]]>Thu, 12 Jun 2014 00:00:00 GMT
The report was released during the ADA’s annual Washington Leadership Conference where more than 500 dentists from across the country meet with their Congressional delegations to discuss policy issues to improve our nation’s dental health.

“Millions of Americans continue to face barriers to dental care, which is why the ADA launched Action for Dental Health,” said ADA President Dr. Charles Norman. “While we have accomplished much in the first year, there is still much to do. This Report to Congress serves as a continued call to action for elected officials, health policy organizations, community leaders and the dental community to come together to bridge the dental divide.”

Much attention has been paid to the political debate around the Affordable Care Act while important health issues such as access to dental care are sidelined. This year alone, more than 181 million Americans won’t visit a dentist[1], even though nearly half of people over 30 suffer from some form of gum disease and nearly one in four children under the age of five already have cavities[2]. Nationally, more than 2.1 million people showed up in emergency rooms with dental pain in 2010 – that’s double the number just a decade prior.[3]

In response to this, the ADA created Action for Dental Health, a nationwide, community-based movement to address barriers to dental health by solving today’s problems through direct help and creating sustainable solutions that provide the best quality of care. After just one year, ADA reports that Action for Dental Health has taken root in every state across the U.S.

The report outlines four key strategies and the corresponding programs that are contributing to the success of the movement:

Providing care now. This includes hospital emergency room referral programs to connect people with severe dental pain to dentists who can provide needed treatment and expanding programs like Give Kids a Smile, which currently provides dental services to approximately 400,000 underserved children at more than 1,500 events.

Strengthening and expanding the public/private safety net by fighting for increased dental health protections under Medicaid and helping more dentists work with community health centers and clinics.

Bringing disease prevention and education into communities through Community Dental Health Coordinators (CDHCs) who provide dental health education and help people in underserved areas connect to community health resources and dentists for needed treatment.

Working to pass Legislation at the federal and state levels that support Action for Dental Health initiatives. The Action for Dental Health Act (HR 4395) would provide grants to support programs such as expanding care for the elderly in nursing homes, encouraging dentists to contract with Federally Qualified Health Centers, increasing health protections and simplifying administration under Medicaid, expanding community water fluoridation, increasing the number of Community Dental Health Coordinators and strengthening collaborations with other health professionals and organizations.

“We are confident that the momentum generated in the first year of Action for Dental Health will continue to grow and spark additional creative solutions. As doctors of oral health, dentists want to help alleviate suffering from untreated dental disease as well as help people learn how to prevent dental disease before it takes root,” said Dr. Norman.

The ADA has set bold goals for Action for Dental Health. These include:

Creating ER interception programs to reduce the burden on our nation’s emergency rooms and improving dental health in 25 states by 2015, and 50 states and the District of Columbia by 2020.

Training at least 1,000 dentists to provide care in nursing homes, one of the most underserved populations, by 2020 and increase the number of dentists serving on advisory boards or as dental directors of long-term care facilities.

Expanding programs which provide screening and treatment to help people in need connect with dentists for continuity of care and work to eliminate cavities in children under five in the U.S. by 2020.

Improving the existing safety net and helping people connect with community resources and dentists who can provide care by increasing the number of states with active Community Dental Health Coordinators to 15 states by 2015. Currently there are CDHCs in 8 states.

Reducing the proportion of both adults and children under 18 with untreated dental decay by 15 percent by 2020, exceeding the 10 percent Healthy People 2020 goal by 50 percent.

Increasing the proportion of low income children who received any preventive dental services during the past year by 15 percent by 2020, exceeding the 10 percent Healthy People 2020 goal by 50 percent.

To review detailed goals for Action for Dental Health, or to download the “Action for Dental Health: Report to Congress” visit ADA.org/action.

The not-for-profit American Dental Association (ADA) is the nation's largest dental association, representing 157,000 dentist members. The premier source of oral health information, the ADA has advocated for the public's health and promoted the art and science of dentistry since 1859. The ADA's state-of-the-art research facilities develop and test dental products and materials that have advanced the practice of dentistry and made the patient experience more positive. The ADA Seal of Acceptance long has been a valuable and respected guide to consumer dental care products. The monthly The Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA) is the ADA's flagship publication and the best-read scientific journal in dentistry. For more information about the ADA, visit ADA.org. For more information on oral health, including prevention, care and treatment of dental disease, visit the ADA's consumer website MouthHealthy.org.

"A properly fitted mouth guard is an essential piece of any athlete's protective equipment,” says Dr. Paul Nativi, DMD, FASD, and past president of the Academy for Sports Dentistry. “Mouth guards protect the teeth from being knocked out, broken and displaced. Mouth guards prevent injuries to the bone and tissues around the teeth. They also help prevent injuries to the mandible (lower jaw) and temporomandibular joint in the jaw. Tooth loss incurs a tremendous financial, emotional, and psychological expense. Protect what you have - wear a properly fitted mouth guard.”

The Academy for Sports Dentistry (ASD), American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS), American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), and the American Dental Association (ADA) are collaborating to promote National Facial Protection Month in April. National Facial Protection Month strives to raise public awareness and remind parents/caregivers, coaches and athletes to play it safe while playing sports.

According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry’s Policy on Prevention of Sports-related Orofacial Injuries, sports accidents reportedly account for 10 to 39 of all dental injuries in children and are most often caused by direct hits with a hard object, such as a puck or ball, and player-to-player contact[2].

The dental associations offer the following five tips to help prevent facial injury:

Wear a mouth guard when playing contact sports: Mouth guards are significantly less expensive than the cost to repair an injury, and dentists and dental specialists can make customized mouth guards that hold teeth in place and allow for normal speech and breathing.

Wear a helmet: Helmets absorb the energy of an impact and help prevent damage to the head.

Wear protective eyewear: Eyes are extremely vulnerable to damage, especially when playing sports.

Wear a face shield to avoid scratched or bruised skin: Hockey pucks, basketballs and racquetballs can cause severe facial damage at any age.

Make protective gear mandatory for all sports: Athletes who participate in football, hockey and boxing are required to wear mouth guards. If mouth guards have been proven to significantly decrease the risk of oral injuries, why is it not mandatory in every sport for kids to be required to wear them, particularly when participating in[3]:

Acrobatics

Field Hockey

Racquetball

Squash

Bandy

Football

Rugby

Surfing

Baseball

Gymnastics

Shot Put

Volleyball

Basketball

Handball

Skateboarding

Water Polo

Bicycling

Ice Hockey

Skiing

Weightlifting

Boxing

Inline Skating

Skydiving

Wrestling

Equestrian Events

Lacrosse

Soccer

Field Events

Martial Arts

Softball

# # #

About National Facial Protection Month
National Facial Protection Month is sponsored annually during the month of April by the Academy for Sports Dentistry (http://www.academyforsportsdentistry.org/), American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (www.aapd.org), American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (www.aaoms.org), American Association of Orthodontists (www.mylifemysmile.org), and the American Dental Association (www.mouthhealthy.org).

About the Academy for Sports Dentistry
The Academy for Sports Dentistry was founded in 1983 as a forum for dentists, physicians, trainers, coaches, dental technicians, and educators interested in exchanging ideas related to sports dentistry and the dental needs of athletes at risk to sports’ injuries. The Academy is an organization dedicated to health and fitness through education, service and research pertaining to the prevention and treatment of sports-related orofacial injuries and diseases. Activities include the collection and dissemination of information on dental athletic injuries and the encouragement of research on the prevention of dental injuries to athletes. This organization exists to promote the advancement of research pertaining to sports dentistry; the utilization of this knowledge for the promotion of better approaches to the prevention and the treatment of athletic injuries and oral disease; and the improvement of communication and cooperation among all members of the health care community in order to share and utilize this knowledge for the benefit of the people. For more information, visit the Academy Web site at http://www.academyforsportsdentistry.org/.

About the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) is the recognized authority on children's oral health. As advocates for children's oral health, the AAPD promotes evidence-based policies and clinical guidelines; educates and informs policymakers, parents and guardians, and other health care professionals; fosters research; and provides continuing professional education for pediatric dentists and general dentists who treat children. Founded in 1947, the AAPD is a not-for-profit professional membership association representing the specialty of pediatric dentistry. Its 9,000 members provide primary care and comprehensive dental specialty treatments for infants, children, adolescents and individuals with special health care needs. For further information, please visit the AAPD Web site at http://www.aapd.org or the AAPD's consumer Web site at http://www.mychildrensteeth.org.

About the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
The experts in face, mouth and jaw surgery™ —The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS) is the professional organization representing more than 10,000 oral and maxillofacial surgeons, OMS residents and professional allied staff in the United States. AAOMS supports its fellows’ and members’ ability to practice their specialty through education, research and advocacy. AAOMS fellows and members comply with rigorous continuing education requirements and submit to periodic office anesthesia evaluations. For additional information about oral and maxillofacial surgery, visit the AAOMS Web site at MyOMS.org.

About the American Association of Orthodontists
Founded in 1900, the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) is the world’s oldest and largest dental specialty organization. It represents 17,000 orthodontist members throughout the United States, Canada and abroad. The AAO encourages and sponsors key research to enable its members to provide the highest quality of care to patients, and is committed to educating the public about the need for, and benefits of, orthodontic treatment.

Orthodontists are uniquely qualified specialists who diagnose, prevent and treat dental and facial irregularities to correctly align teeth and jaws. Orthodontists receive an additional two to three years of specialized education in orthodontics beyond dental school at an accredited orthodontic residency program. For more information, visit mylifemysmile.org

About the American Dental Association
The not-for-profit ADA is the nation's largest dental association, representing 157,000 dentist members. The premier source of oral health information, the ADA has advocated for the public's health and promoted the art and science of dentistry since 1859. The ADA's state-of-the-art research facilities develop and test dental products and materials that have advanced the practice of dentistry and made the patient experience more positive. The ADA Seal of Acceptance long has been a valuable and respected guide to consumer dental care products. The monthly The Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA) is the ADA's flagship publication and the best-read scientific journal in dentistry. For more information about the ADA, visit ada.org. For more information on oral health, including prevention, care and treatment of dental disease, visit the ADA’s consumer Web site MouthHealthy.org.

[1] http://www.encyclopedia.com/topic/Maxillofacial_Trauma.aspx.
[2] SOURCE: Newsome P, Tran D, Cooke M. The role of the mouth-guard in the prevention of sports-related dental injuries: A review. Int J Paediatr Dent 2001;11(6):396-404.
[3] Chart provided by the American Dental Association]]>Wed, 26 Mar 2014 00:00:00 GMTCHICAGO, March 11, 2014 —The American Dental Association (ADA) will welcome President George W. Bush to ADA 2014 – America’s Dental Meeting for the Opening General Session and Distinguished Speaker Series Thursday, Oct. 9 at the Alamodome in San Antonio.

President Bush was the 43rd president of the United States and founder of the George W. Bush Foundation. Bush was born on July 6, 1946, in New Haven, Connecticut, to Barbara and George H.W. Bush – later the 41st President of the United States. In 1948, the family moved to Texas, where George W. Bush grew up in Midland and Houston. He received a bachelor’s degree in history from Yale University in 1968 and a master’s degree in business administration from Harvard Business School in 1975. On November 8, 1994, George W. Bush was elected the 46th Governor of Texas. In 1998, he became the first governor in Texas history to be elected to consecutive four-year terms.

After the Presidency, George and Laura Bush founded the George W. Bush Presidential Center in Dallas, Texas. The Center is home to the Bush Presidential Museum and Library, which houses George W. Bush’s presidential papers. The Center is also home to the George W. Bush Institute, a public policy organization that focuses on economic growth, education reform, global health, and human freedom. The Institute supports the rights of women with its Women’s Initiative and honors those who have served in the United States armed forces through its Military Service Initiative.

“We are excited and honored to have President Bush speak at the annual meeting,” said Dr. James E. Galati, 2014 chair for the Council on ADA Sessions. “I believe his charitable work and experiences can inspire all dentists, no matter what their political beliefs are.”

President Bush is also the author of a bestselling memoir, “Decision Points.” He and Laura have twin daughters, Barbara and Jenna, a son-in-law, Henry Hager, and a granddaughter, Mila Hager. The Bush family also includes a dog, Miss Beazley, and a cat, Bob.

The 2014 Distinguished Speaker Series is presented by Church & Dwight, the makers of ARM & HAMMER™, Spinbrush™ and ORAJEL™ oral care products.

The ADA’s annual meeting, which is scheduled Oct. 9-14 at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, brings together leaders in dental practice, research, academia and industry to present more than 300 continuing education courses, a trade show and the House of Delegates over six days. The Opening General Session, which kicks off the convention, will also honor the winner of the 2014 Humanitarian Award, Dr. Raymond S. Damazo. General registration begins May 1 at www.ada.org/meeting, and you must register in advance to attend the Opening General Session.

Editor’s Note: President Bush’s speech is closed to the media.

###]]>Tue, 11 Mar 2014 00:00:00 GMT
The Indiana Health Coverage Programs (IHCP) covers orthodontic procedures for members younger than 21 years of age. All orthodontic services require prior authorization (PA). Effective for dates of service on or after October 11, 2013, dental PA requests for orthodontic services no longer require a signed statement from a member of a hospital-based craniofacial team to certify the correct craniofacial diagnosis and malocclusion. All other PA criteria for orthodontic services remain unchanged. See IHCP Provider Manual Chapter 8 for additional information (PDF document opens in a new window). For PA questions, please contact ADVANTAGE Health Solutions at 1-800-269-5720.

Reprinted from IHCP Banner Page BR201345 NOVEMBER 12, 2013.
]]>Thu, 14 Nov 2013 00:00:00 GMT
Kennedy and Paul will be participating in classes, CTS, laboratory, Seal Indiana and other community-based programs. Their daily activities will be hosted by IUSD students who have been exchange students at Moi University School of Dentistry in Kenya and by IUSD faculty members who have been in Kenya as participants in the IU-Kenya partnership.

“We’re very grateful to Indiana Dental Association Foundation and several component dental societies for supporting the IUSD-Moi University School of Dentistry partnership and sponsoring Kennedy and Paul’s international experience in Indiana,” says Karen Yoder, Director of Civic Engagement and Health Policy at IUSD. “This is another example of how organized dentistry supports student learning and achievement. Without their help this wouldn’t be happening.”

For more information about the IU-Kenya Partnership and IUSD’s role in the partnership, visit http://www.ampathkenya.org/our-programs/clinical-public-health-services/dentistry/]]>Thu, 22 Aug 2013 00:00:00 GMT
HIPAA compliance is one of the most important – and challenging – undertakings for a dental practice. The “ADA Complete HIPAA Compliance Kit” has tools to help dentists design and implement a comprehensive HIPAA compliance program. The kit includes:

The HIPAA Compliance Kit uses a step-by-step approach, and has the following tools to aid in comprehension and documentation:

Sample policies and procedures

A revised sample Business Associate Agreement

A revised sample Notice of Privacy Practices

A glossary of key terms

A CD-ROM to help you tailor the content to your practice

The “ADA Practical Guide to HIPAA Training” is a two-level CD-ROM training program. Level 1 teaches the basics of HIPAA compliance to dental office staff and is worth one hour of continuing education credit. Level 2 is a more in-depth module designed for office managers who are developing their office’s HIPAA program in conjunction with the “ADA Practical Guide to HIPAA Compliance.” Level 2 is worth two hours of continuing education credit.

The kit is $300 for ADA members and $450 retail price. To purchase the kit, please visit adacatalog.org or call the ADA Member Service Center at 800.947.4746.]]>Fri, 09 Aug 2013 00:00:00 GMT
Organizers hope to attract 750 dentists, their team members, clerical and support staff, students, laboratory technicians and office specialists as well as family members older than 18 to administer and support the dental clinic. The children’s portion of the MOM event will be sponsored by CareCredit in tandem with Give Kids A Smile, the ADA’s signature access to care program for underserved children.

This year's ADA MOM in New Orleans will run from 5:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Central Standard Time on Nov. 3 with full and half day volunteer shifts available. At this time, the ADA asks that MOM volunteers keep event details private so attendance can be managed through local promotional efforts. MOM participants do not need to be registered for the ADA Annual Session to volunteer. For more information or to register as a volunteer, visit www.ADA.org/MOM.

2013 Annual Session Registration is Open
Registration is open for the ADA’s 154th Annual Session and World Marketplace Exhibition, which is slated for Oct. 31 to Nov. 3 in New Orleans. The session brings together leaders in dental practice, research, academia and industry to present more than 300 continuing education courses over four days. For more information on continuing education courses or to register for the annual meeting, visit ADA.org/session. Note that registration fees for the annual session will increase when advance registration ends Sept. 20.]]>Thu, 08 Aug 2013 00:00:00 GMT
Indiana University School of Dentistry professor and administrator Jeffrey A. Dean has taken his long record of distinguished service to the university a significant step further by accepting an appointment as new chief of staff for Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis Chancellor and IU Executive Vice President Charles R. Bantz.

In accepting the advisory position, Dean is stepping down from his roles as the School of Dentistry’s executive associate dean and associate dean for faculty affairs, but he will continue to serve both the school and IU Health’s Riley Hospital for Children as a teacher and scholar. He will also maintain his part-time pediatric dentistry and orthodontic practice in Indianapolis and fulfill the remaining three years of his commitment to the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry as its executive director.

"Jeff’s new appointment represents an exciting challenge for him professionally, and one that he is abundantly qualified to meet,” said John N. Williams, IU’s dean of dentistry. “It’s an honor for the dental school to have one of its leading educators serve the IUPUI administration in this capacity. During the past three years, Jeff has been key to the dental school’s development of a strategic mission that embraces and complements the missions of the campus and the university. IUPUI will benefit, as the dental school long has, from Jeff’s leadership acumen, enthusiasm for team-driven projects, and abiding interest in the continual growth and evolvement of the campus and the dental school.”

“While serving the university in this capacity certainly wasn’t on my radar screen, I consider it an honor to have had the Chancellor ask me to consider it,” said Dean. “After careful thought regarding the role of the chief of staff and my ability to fulfill the duties, I’m excited to accept the opportunities and challenges it will present. Along with other areas of experience I’ve had over the years, I hope my academic health center background will prove especially useful.”

Dean’s 28-year career at the IU dental school has included past appointments as director of Pediatric Dentistry’s advanced specialty education program and chair of the former Oral Facial Development department housing orthodontics, pediatric dentistry, oral facial genetics, and craniofacial anomalies.

In the international dental education community, Dean is perhaps best known for his editorial contributions to the highly acclaimed 44-year-old textbook McDonald and Avery’s Dentistry for the Child and Adolescent, which is the longest running pediatric dentistry textbook in the U.S. and is believed to also hold that record worldwide. Dean joined original editor Ralph E. McDonald and McDonald’s longtime co-editor, David R. Avery, both IU emeritus professors today, for preparation of the eighth edition in 2004, and he continues to work as lead editor with McDonald and Avery on edition 10.

He has been certified as a diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry for nearly two decades and of the American Board of Orthodontics since 2004. He is a past president of both the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry and its College of Diplomates. In June 2013, he earned the Certified Association Executive (CAE) credential through the American Society of Association’s CAE Commission.]]>Thu, 18 Jul 2013 00:00:00 GMTWashington, D.C., June 24, 2013 – As attention to the dental crisis in America increases, a “shortage of dentists” is frequently cited as a major barrier to access to care for underserved populations. Proponents of this view further state that retirement among Baby Boomer dentists will worsen the problem. This then leads to calls for alternative providers to solve this workforce shortage. But is the size of the dentist workforce really a major factor affecting access disparities? The facts cast serious doubt on that notion.

States that had increases in the percent of the population un-served according to the HPSA methodology actually did better in terms of access for children covered by Medicaid than those that had decreases in dental HPSAs.

Access to dental care among Medicaid children actually increased in 47 out of 50 states between 2000 and 2011.

Between 2010 and 2012, the portion of the US population living in dental HPSAs actually decreased to less than 10 percent, lower than the equivalent measure for primary medical care providers.

Nationally, 40 percent of dentists report that their practices can accommodate more patients. That percentage has increased substantially in the past five years.

Mississippi ranks 17th in improving access to dental care for Medicaid children. The portion of Medicaid kids with a dental visit went from 22 percent in 2000 to 43 percent in 2011, despite the fact that Mississippi has the biggest dentist shortage, in terms of the percent of the population un-served, according to the government’s Health Professions Shortage Area (HPSA) methodology.

If the numbers of HPSAs and dentists do not correlate to access to dental care, what can be done to address the dental crisis in America? This year, the American Dental Association launched a major campaign, Action for Dental Health, to achieve a specific set of bold goals to dramatically reduce untreated dental disease in America by providing care now to people suffering with untreated disease, strengthening and expanding the public/private safety net to provide more care to more Americans, and bringing dental health education and disease prevention into communities. Action for Dental Health will demonstrate measureable success in improving dental health in underserved communities without major increases in the numbers of dentists or by adding additional providers to treat cavities, by better utilizing and improving resources already available.

ADA Health Policy Resources Center analyses relating to access to dental care can be found here.

###About the American Dental Association
The not-for-profit ADA is the nation's largest dental association, representing 157,000 dentist members. The premier source of oral health information, the ADA has advocated for the public's health and promoted the art and science of dentistry since 1859. The ADA's state-of-the-art research facilities develop and test dental products and materials that have advanced the practice of dentistry and made the patient experience more positive. The ADA Seal of Acceptance long has been a valuable and respected guide to consumer dental care products. The monthly TheJournal of the American Dental Association (JADA) is the ADA's flagship publication and the best-read scientific journal in dentistry. For more information about the ADA, visit www.ada.org. For more information on oral health, including prevention, care and treatment of dental disease, visit the ADA’s consumer websitewww.MouthHealthy.org.

]]>Wed, 26 Jun 2013 00:00:00 GMT
In the June 10 issue of the journal, researchers from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry explored the link between long-term tooth loss and frequency of preventive dental visits in adults with and without three risk factors for periodontal disease: smoking, diabetes and interleukin-1 genetic variations. The study concluded that individual risk factors help to dictate the frequency of cleanings needed per year to help prevent periodontal disease. Based on data analysis, researchers speculate that high-risk patients would likely benefit from more frequent dental visits, while low-risk patients may see the same benefits from only one cleaning per year. The key takeaway for consumers, underscored by this study, is that personalized oral care is a necessity for good dental health. The ADA encourages people to work closely with their dentists to identify any potential risk factors that would determine the need for and frequency of follow up visits to enhance the outcomes of preventive care.

For more information on the ADA’s recommendations for healthy teeth and gums at every life stage, please visit Mouthhealthy.org.

]]>Thu, 20 Jun 2013 00:00:00 GMT
The measure establishes a limited voluntary charitable permit for dental hygienists and dentists, which will allow the IDA to invite out-of-state dentists to participate in future IDA MOM dental care giving programs. The Indiana Dental Hygienists Association's requested change to "R.D.H." from "L.D.H." to the titles to be used for dental hygienists was also included, consistent with all other 49 states.

SEA 590 also:

adds a $20 compliance fee that dental hygienists and dentists must pay at license renewal. The funds will be used to help the ISBD investigate compliance with dental law.

repeals provisions requiring that continuing education courses for dental hygienists and dentists be made available in all Indiana geographic regions;

sets forth requirements for dental applicants who have graduated from unaccredited dental colleges;

removes a requirement that dentures must include a patient's Social Security number.

Language calling for a study committee was amended in conference committee to study the delivery of dental care by dental management service organizations and the Dental Group Practice Association.

The language that the ISBD sought, to require corporations to register with the board, was eliminated in the House Public Health Committee and replaced with language that would criminalize the act of a non-dentist denying patients access to their records.

Unfortunately, SB 208, IDA's proposal to prevent dental insurers from setting fees for non-covered services, did not receive a vote in the House Insurance committee. Special thanks to Senator Jean Leising, and Representative Denny Zent for authoring and sponsoring the bill. We will be revisiting the issues and will most likely seek the introduction of non-covered services legislation during the 2014 Indiana General Assembly.

Governor Pence got a 5-percent income tax cut over four years and a boost in the state's vocational education system. But pressing issues on health care reform were not addressed. The Governor's office is seeking to use the Healthier Indiana Program for Indiana's Medicaid expansion. Unfortunately, the Legislature did not see fit to give him authority to negotiate with the federal government, so the future of the state's Medicaid program will be determined by the Federal Health and Human Services Agency.
]]>Thu, 02 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT
Within the next few months, Indiana Donated Dental Services (DDS) is expected to reach a milestone of $11 million in donated services since its inception in 1991.

During the last fiscal year, more than 600 volunteer dentists and 180 laboratories provided $1.1 million in dental treatment to 420 patients with disabilities or who are elderly or medically fragile. Indiana DDS is a program of Dental Lifeline Network • Indiana and the Indiana Dental Association.

To view the DDS Annual Report and a list of volunteer dentists, and to learn how to volunteer, please click here.

Our thanks go out to Sen Ryan Mishler (R-Bremen) for authoring the measure. Please take the time to send an email to Sen Mishler at s9@in.gov.

The bill addressed a number of issues including:

A $20 dollar increase to the dentist and hygienist license renewal fees to provide additional funding to the Indiana State Board of Dentistry (ISBD) to conduct compliance efforts.

Establishment of a temporary "limited charitable permit" that would allow dentists and hygienists licensed out-of-state to practice in Indiana when helping with charitable events.

New regulations for non-dentists or non-licensed out-of-state dentists who own or operate dental practices in Indiana. They would be required to register with the Board of Dentistry and appoint a licensed dentist to be responsible for clinical decisions that are made in the practice. Out-of-state owners would be held subject to the same laws regarding practice closure and patient abandonment that apply to licensed Indiana dentists. Establishment of a pathway for licensure for dental graduates of foreign dental schools that are not CODA accredited.

The Senate Committee passed a last-minute amendment to delete the $20 license fee increase for the ISBD compliance fund, but the change appears to be procedural; it will be moved to HB 1001, the state budget bill.

Drs. Steve Hollar and Matt Miller of the Indiana State Board of Dentistry spoke in favor of the bill, as did Dean John Williams of the IU School of Dentistry. IDA Executive Director Mr. Doug Bush, and Mr. Steve Bebe of the Indiana Dental Hygienists’ Association also offered testimony supporting the bill. There was no opposition testimony. The Committee's primary concerns surrounded the temporary charitable permit for out-of-state dentists. The bill moves to second reading, where it can be amended again. A vote by the full Senate is expected early next week.

TAKE ACTION: Members can play a significant role in advancing IDA-sponsored legislation by signing up for Legislative Alerts (click here) or by calling our office to learn how to rally colleagues in your community (317.634.2610).

]]>Thu, 14 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT
“Give Kids a Smile” (GKAS) is a widely recognized national program that enables community members and dentists to offer free dental services to many underserved children. The program was adopted by the ADA in 2003, but it began from the efforts of two dentists, one of whom is alumnus of Indiana University School of Dentistry, Dr. Jeff Dalin (1980 Graduate).

In the past, Indiana University School of Dentistry (IUSD) opened its doors for the annual Give Kids a Smile Day, typically held on the first Friday in February of every year. Melinda Meadows, Clinical Associate Professor of Periodontics and Allied Programs at IUSD, recalls those days with fondness.

“One of the things I liked the most about the GKAS days was the way that dentists from the community came and worked side by side with folks from the school with everyone’s focus being on the children and their needs.”

GKAS day was a very successful event delivering free treatment to some of the children of Indiana in the greatest need. Beginning in 2004, approximately 40 children, accompanied by their parents/guardians, received free treatment at the IUSD GKAS site, ranging from preventive services such as sealants and cleanings to restorative services such as amalgams and stainless steel crown. The number of children treated increased to 76 on the last held GKAS day at IUSD in 2009. Following these GKAS days, several of the children with extensive dental need were “adopted” by dentists who wanted to provide the remainder of the child’s treatment in their private practice.

“Many of our volunteer dentists, both pediatric and general or family dentists, commented on, and expressed frustration with, the limitation of opening our doors on just one day for these children who do not have any dental insurance but have great need for dental care,” comments Dr. Joan Kowolik, Director of Pre-doctoral Pediatric Dentistry at IUSD.

Accordingly, Dr. Judith Chin, Associate Professor in the Department of Pediatric Dentistry, added that a decision was made by key stakeholders to “change the IUSD GKAS program from a one day event to a year round event so that more comprehensive care could be offered to impoverished children.”

Since 2006, Dr. Kowolik and Dr. Chin have worked tirelessly to identify and pursue grants from agencies such as Delta Dental and the National Children’s Oral Health Foundation to supply impoverished children free comprehensive care treatment throughout the year at IUSD. These funds enabled some children from GKAS to complete their care at in the IUSD pediatric dentistry clinic. However, dentists across the state also wanted to be involved in Give Kids a Smile, so the program began to develop and change.

However, since 2003, IUSD 4th year students have been visiting Title One schools in Indiana as part of their assignment in the “Seal Indiana” program. Dr. Armando Soto, Director of Seal Indiana, reports that roughly 10% of the children screened are in need of immediate dental care and 40% of the children screened need some form of restorative treatment. He also stated that several of the children required the same restorative care year after year, even though the parents had been informed of the need for care after their first comprehensive dental exam through Seal Indiana.

Dr. Soto added that “only 60% of children examined received treatment as recommended.” Thus, a number of children are not receiving the care they need.

“There may be multiple reasons for this, to name a few, accessibility in the form of transportation, lack of dentists in the area, or lack of dentists accepting Medicaid,” says Dr. Soto. Recognizing this as an unacceptable situation, faculty from IUSD met with officers in the Indiana Dental Association (IDA) to discuss possible solutions. The new approach, described below, was suggested and has since been piloted for just over 1 year; it is proving very helpful for several children in the greatest need in one local township.

The newly revamped program has a year-round approach. Ms. Cassandra Riley, the Community Dental Assistant Program Coordinator of IUSD, sends a list of the children with untreated severe dental disease seen by faculty and student dentists in the “Seal Indiana” program to Professor Heather Taylor, Community Outreach Coordinator in the Pediatric Department. Professor Taylor contacts the parents, offering to try to find a dentist, local to the child’s school or home, who is willing to treat the child. The IDA then provides the names and contact information of local dentists who have volunteered their time and services to take on an extra child or two. Heather then closes the loop by giving the dentist’s information to the parent who makes the necessary contact and appointment.

“This program has its kinks to work out, but I see the success of it through the parents surprise when they are offered free services, thanks to the incredible generosity of Indiana dentists”, said Heather. Dr. Mike Princell of Indianapolis participated in the program this past year and donated over $2,300.00 in services to fix just one child’s mouth! The mother of this child was overwhelmed with thanks to this new version of the program and to Dr. Princell. She said, “My husband and I had both lost our jobs and were on the verge of losing our house when Heather contacted us. For some time, I have been hoping to have my son’s mouth treated but obviously could not afford it. Without this program, my son would have been in pain for longer and I’m not sure we would have been able to get all the work needed done so quickly. Dr. Princell’s office was amazing and so considerate to my situation. This program came to us at the exact right time. I now take my son and my other children to Dr. Princell’s office because he took such good care of my son who needed so much work. I would like to thank Dr. Princell and his staff for their work and I would like to thank everyone involved in this program. It has made such a difference in my son’s life and how he cares for his teeth.”

”It was a great joy and privilege to help Kim’s son achieve a healthy mouth, educate him on appropriate dental care, and witness his improvement. I have always enjoyed helping those in need, and will continue to do so through this new program,” commented Dr. Princell. So far, 19 children with severe decay were connected to local dentists in their area. Over $8000 dollars has been donated by dentists to treating these children thus far and the numbers are still growing.

Dr. Kowolik commented further, “This program involves many people who really care for the health of the children of Indiana. There are numerous reasons why children do not receive the necessary dental care but when we all work together, a solution can be found. This is one small way in which we can make an impact. I am very grateful to all involved especially the dentists who have made space in their busy practices to treat one child in need. Many of these children are treated pro bono and I know the parents are very appreciative of this help for their child. The more dentists who step up and volunteer their time the more children will be cared for with the least burden for each. Thank you all so much.”

Of course, the program needs tweaking. One issue Prof. Taylor is concerned with is the fact that SEAL Indiana sees children from all over the state. Yet the new version of the GKAS program has this year focused in only one area, Lawrence Township. She has arranged for children with severe decay in four schools from this township to find dental homes from local dentists. Recently the Plymouth area has also been involved in the pilot program. However, she knows that the IDA does not yet have the names of dentists from all over the state who have identified themselves as willing to treat a child or two for free from their local area. Prof. Taylor receives more and more names of children in other areas of Indiana where SEAL Indiana visits who are in desperate need of care. “For the first year of this new revamped program we only focused on one township close to Indianapolis. Now there is a need to spread our wings and incorporate other areas of the state to help more families who are struggling to get dental work done for their child. It is my hope that dentists across this state read this article and contact the IDA and notify them that they are willing to help if SEAL Indiana visits their area,” says Heather Taylor. “In the meantime, I would like to thank the dentists from Plymouth and from the Lawrence Township who have volunteered to help. Their exceptional generosity makes my job exciting. What I love about this version of the program is that not only does a child become dentally fit, they also find a dental home.”

SEAL Indiana may be headed to your area in the near future. If you are interested in participating in this new GKAS program, please contact Kari Alting of the IDA at (317) 634-2610 or Heather Taylor of IUSD at (317) 274-6846. Dentists in all areas are encouraged to contact us, but currently there is a special need for dentists to donate services to children from these areas of Indiana: Taylorsville, Brown County, Elnora, Warsaw, Veedersburg, Anderson, Vincennes, Marion County, Bloomington, and Crawfordsville.

]]>Wed, 13 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Senate Bill 208 (SB 208), "Non-Covered Dental Services," passed with a 34-15 vote and will now proceed to the Indiana House. IDA member Dr. Denny Zent, who now serves as the 51st District Representative in the Indiana House (R-Angola), will serve alongside Rep. Suzanne Crouch (R-Evansville) to author the House measure to advance the bill.

SB 208 advanced out of the Senate following testimony from Dr. John Roberts, IDA President; Dr. David Austin, IDA member and Indiana AIR participant; and IDA Executive Director Doug Bush during a Senate Health Provider Services Committee hearing on January 30. Significant participation of other IDA members interacting with their legislators through the IDA's legislative alerts service also provided critical momentum for the bill.

SB 590, another IDA-supported bill still awaits a Senate committee hearing. The bill includes amendment of language in the Indiana Dental Practice Act, regulating corporate dental office ownership, and preserving funding for Indiana's Donated Dental Services program. The IDA will also work to advance the Board of Trustees' position to oppose a bill that would allow dentists with a valid anesthesia permit to supervise Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists.

The IDA will closely monitor all legislative activities and report to members through legislative alerts and the biweekly IDA Update.

To interact directly with your legislators about current dental legislation, sign up for IDA Legislative Alerts (click here).

With tax season upon us, it is critical to review how the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) impacts your small business’s tax returns.

We are all aware of the new payroll tax that began January 1, 2013, but is your dental practice eligible for a health care tax credit? Maybe this year you are not eligible, but what steps can you take to be eligible for a tax credit next year? A health care tax credit sounds great, but less than 5% of reportedly eligible small businesses took advantage of the health care tax credit. Some may not have known about the credit, but many were quoted as being aware. So why did small businesses miss out on the tax credit by not filing their taxes accordingly? Many said they were advised by tax consultants that the IRS filings were too time-consuming and not worth the effort. I will let you decide.

Be aware that the 50% health care tax credit, effective January 1, 2014, is only allowed to be claimed in two consecutive years. There are other phase-out measures within the Affordable Care Act language and the IRS guidelines. Also be aware of the changing health insurance landscape. Beginning October 1, 2013, you and your employees (and all spouse’s employers) will have new options for health insurance. Get familiar with the changing marketplace and tax credits.

This update should get you thinking and planning. What is your plan for health insurance benefits in 2014? What tax credits are you eligible for? Talk frequently to IDA Insurance and your tax advisor this year for money-saving tips.

]]>Wed, 30 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMTCHICAGO, Jan. 8, 2013 – The American Dental Association (ADA) has introduced the ADA® Dental Symptom Checker™ on MouthHealthy.org to provide patients with accurate information about their oral health symptoms, help them make better-informed decisions about their oral health, help build consumer awareness of the importance of oral health and recognize the benefits of regular dental visits.

After entering their age and gender in the ADA Dental Symptom Checker, patients can identify the location of the symptom they’re having and other factors, such as pain or discharge, and read about various conditions that fit that description. The Symptom Checker is not meant to diagnose or replace the role of the dentist. In fact, many of the conditions emphasize the importance of seeing a dentist or physician.

The ADA developed the ADA Dental Symptom Checker in conjunction with an ADA member dentist who is a faculty member at an accredited U.S. dental school. Four ADA councils vetted the Symptom Checker. In developing MouthHealthy.org, a symptom checker tool was identified as the top feature requested by consumers.

The ADA launched the award-winning MouthHealthy.org website in June 2012 to reach the 80 percent of Internet users who seek health information online. Consumers can find oral health concerns organized by life stages, A-Z topics with videos, ADA Seal of Acceptance products, and tips and activities to make oral health care fun for kids.

The ADA Dental Symptom Checker is now available as an interactive Web platform on MouthHealthy.org, as well as a downloadable app on iTunes and Google Play.
]]>Wed, 09 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT
As part of an ongoing effort to make member communications more effective, the IDA Editorial Board and Council on Communications are transitioning the printed Association newsletter content to the printed Journal and IDA website this fall.

The 2012 House of Delegates approved the merging of publications at its meeting in June, following a yearlong membership survey process by the Council on Communications.

In addition to saving at least $4,000 in the first year, the discontinuation of the newsletter will allow more timely delivery of news stories to members with biweekly email updates. Members have received the newsletter every other month, which has resulted in much of the content being dated by the time it reaches members’ mailboxes.

“We are keenly aware of the challenges we face in making sure members don’t feel a loss of membership value as a result of the transition,” said Will Sears, Director of Communications. “While the newsletter ceases after this issue, we are overhauling the content of the journal and website over the coming months, which should actually add new value to being an IDA member.”

The December issue of the Indiana Dentist is the final publication of the IDA’s printed newsletter.

]]>Tue, 11 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT
Now that Election Day has passed, it is time to engage your representatives in the Statehouse. As the Indiana State Legislature welcomes 28 new faces in the upcoming legislative session, the time for IDA members to reach out on behalf of dentistry is now.

The IDA’s ‘Contact Dentist’ program seeks to establish working dialogue between state legislators and dentists in their legislative districts.

After each election the IDA extends congratulations to winning candidates to welcome them to the legislature. If the IDA advocacy team is able to also include the legislator’s dentist in these and other interactions, there is an even greater chance to catch the legislator’s attention and keep the door open for future dialogue about dentistry’s concerns.

The IDA has compiled a list of the state’s newly elected senators and representatives. Please review the list, alphabetized by city, and let us know if you have existing connections with these individuals:

Most legislative issues impacting the practice of dentistry are concentrated in a few substantive standing Committees; The Senate Health and Provider Services Committee, the House Public Health Committee, the House Insurance committee and in both of the House and Senate fiscal committees.

If you do not have an existing relationship with your legislator but would like to be more engaged in IDA advocacy efforts, please contact Ed Popcheff, Director of Governmental Affairs, at Ed@INDental.org.

]]>Tue, 11 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT
The IDA will pursue a number of legislative changes based on charges from the IDA House of Delegates. Below you will find a summary of the initiatives, for which we will need your voice and support in the Indiana General Assembly.

$20 Surcharge to Fund Compliance Officer

Charity Dental License

Donated Dental Services Funding Extension

Non-Covered Services

In addition to our legislative package issues, other issues will emerge from the external environment and decisions the State of Indiana needs to make, such as the following:

Will the State of Indiana opt into an expanded Medicaid Program?

How will the Federal Health Care Exchange be operated in Indiana?

FSSA’s contemplation of using a dental benefit manager

Ensuring Adult Medicaid Dental Care Access

Access to Care for Dentally Uninsured Adults

HIP Program Construction and Continuation

Stand-Alone Dental Plans on Exchanges

Enhanced restrictions on scheduled prescription writing

Want to learn how you can get involved? Please contact Ed Popcheff, Director of Governmental Affairs, at Ed@INDental.org.

]]>Tue, 11 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT
IDA representatives to the ADA House of Delegates engaged in debate over governance restructuring and finances at the October meeting in San Francisco. Ultimately, the current governance structure was left largely unchanged. The House also approved a $10 dues increase, much lower than the $30 dollar increase originally proposed.

The ADA House also approved increasing the percentage of dues paid by “Active Life” members. Dues for dentists who have maintained membership for 30 consecutive years or a total of 40 years, but who are still practicing dentistry, will increase from 50 percent of regular dues to 75 percent of regular dues. This change is in response to the fact that more dentists are practicing longer. The change will not immediately affect IDA Active Life dues, since any change to IDA dues would require action by the IDA House of Delegates.

The most heated debate involved an application for ADA specialty status by dental anesthesiologists. The measure was ultimately defeated.

Dr. Chuck Steffel, a member of the IDA and Indianapolis District Dental Society, completed his term as ADA Seventh District trustee. Dr. Joe Crowley of Cincinnati, OH, was tapped to represent the Seventh District (Indiana and Ohio) on the ADA Board following Dr. Steffel’s term.

Dr. Ron Lemmo of Willoughby Hills, OH, was elected ADA Treasurer. Dr. Chuck Norman of Greensboro, NC, was elected President-Elect and Dr. Glen Hall of Abilene, TX, was elected Speaker of the House.

Although not related to ADA House business, the ADA Seventh District reached a new agreement on how the IDA and ODA will share ADA leadership opportunities. Under the new agreement, most positions will be shared on a two-to-one ratio favoring Ohio. This grants Ohio increased representation on the ADA Board of Trustees, in exchange for increased IDA representation on ADA councils and committees.

]]>Tue, 11 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT
Effective the December issue of the Indiana Dentist, the IDA will no longer publish a printed bimonthly newsletter. Instead, news updates will be primarily distributed through a new biweekly IDA email update, with highlighted stories appearing in the IDA’s quarterly Journal.

The Editorial Board and Council on Communications carefully considered a number of options for communicating news and important information to members. Since a quarterly journal would not suffice for informing members of breaking legislative news, for example, a more timely outlet would be required. Human interest pieces that have regularly appeared in the Indiana Dentist, however, will be merged into the Journal.

“We realize there will be glitches in the beginning, as we remind members of the changes in ways we communicate with them,” said Dr. Jack Drone, IDA Editor. “The Editorial Board as well as IDA staff have already done a lot of work to make sure the transition is as seamless as possible.

“The critical action for every member to take to stay up to date on IDA news is to make sure the IDA has your email address. If we can’t email you about important items, you may totally miss information that significantly impacts your practice,” Dr. Drone said.

The Editorial Board recently released how current newsletter content will merge into either the biweekly email update or quarterly journal, as follows:

Columns by Drs. Michael Rader and William Risk will now appear in the quarterly journal.

“Chatter,” a question-and-answer interview featuring an IDA member, will now appear in the quarterly journal.

Legislative news and calls for action will now reach members exclusively through email updates.

A digest of actions from the Indiana State Board of Dentistry will now appear on the IDA website in the Member Center.

Registration forms for IDA events and resources will be distributed primarily through the biweekly IDA email update, not in printed form.

The biweekly email update will begin January 1; members will receive the next issue of the IDA journal in late January 2013.

If you have any questions about the transition, contact IDA Director of Communications Will Sears at Will@INDental.org.

]]>Tue, 11 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT

After a year-long evaluation and search, the IDA has found a new home for its Central Office. In early November, the office will relocate to Indianapolis' south side.

Details are being finalized on the purchase of a two-story, 15,000 square foot building near the intersection of U.S. Highway 31-South and Shelby Streets.

"Each time we've approached the final year of our lease with the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), a committee has been appointed to study the market and explore options," said Executive Director Doug Bush. "In the past, we've always decided to stay put. But this year, the search committee found an opportunity that it felt was too good to pass up."

IDA President John Roberts, who also served on the search committee, was a strong proponent of the building purchase.

"We first looked at this building five years ago when our lease was last up for renewal," Dr. Roberts said. "We liked it then, but felt it was out of our price range. When it came back on the market at a greatly reduced price, we knew we had a rare opportunity.

"For years the IDA has grown its reserve fund, knowing that we might someday decide to build or purchase our own building," Dr. Roberts said. "The fact that we had cash on hand allowed us to move quickly when the opportunity presented itself."

Dr. Roberts stressed that the 2013 dues increase and assessment, approved by the House of Delegates in June, is not related to the building purchase.

"The dues increase was required to cover our day-to-day operational costs," said Dr. Daniel Fridh, IDA Treasurer and Chair of the Finance Committee. "The building is being purchased with reserves, so there should be no impact on dues. In fact, we hope the building will generate rental income, making it a new source for non-dues income to the IDA."

Immediate plans are for the IDA to occupy most of the first floor of the building, with additional conference space to be used on the second floor. A portion of the first floor and the majority of the second floor will be offered for lease.

Dr. Thomas Murray, First District Trustee and a member of the Finance Committee, was also a strong proponent of the purchase.

"For some time I've been concerned about the volatile swings in our investment reserve fund," he said. "We have instant equity in the new building, and potential for significant non-dues revenue. I think we have made an excellent investment," said Dr. Murray.

The move is scheduled for the first week in November. The IDA will host an open house in early 2013 to allow all members to tour the Association's new headquarters.

More photographs of the building are available on the IDA's Facebook page (click here). A map and directions for the building may be found by clicking here.

]]>Thu, 18 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT
In 2012, the ADA, IDA and local dental societies started a Monthly Dues Program that allows members the convenience of paying annual dues for the current year in monthly installments. Should members enroll in this optional program, the IDA will deduct dues payments from your bank account each month. The draft will include a monthly $5 administrative charge.

To participate in the Monthly Dues Program, download and complete the form below, and mail it to the IDA. You may also email Jody Cleary, Director of Membership and Financial Services, at Jody@indental.org to enroll.

The Foundation has committed the necessary funding for the digitization of all IDA journals from 1858 through 1973. The 2012 IDA House of Delegates and President John Roberts appointed a task force to investigate options for digitally archiving the Association's aging records, which led to a partnership with the Indiana Historical Society in Indianapolis. Pending approval from the Board of Trustees, the records will be moved to the Historical Society's climate-controlled archive this fall, when the digitization process will begin. The journals will then be available electronically to members over the next year on the Historical Society's online archive.

The Foundation also approved giving $4,000 to the Indiana AIR Program, the IDA's initiative to recruit and develop promising leaders from traditionally underrepresented diversity groups in IDA membership. The program is already underway and held its inaugural session for 2012 participants in September.

Finally the Foundation finalized funding for the 2012 partnership between the Indiana University School of Dentistry and Moi University in Kenya. The funding covers the costs for Kenyan dental students to learn at IUSD for two weeks. Four component dental societies in Indiana also gave $1,000 each for the partnership: Greene District, West Central, Indianapolis District and Northwest Indiana. The IDA Foundation is sending a $4,000 matching check based on the components' donations.

About the Foundation

The IDA Foundation for Dental Health, Inc. (IFDH) was established by the IDA Board of Trustees to assist Indiana dentists to recruit, educate and retain allied dental team members. Other goals include building and expanding allied dental education programs, developing programs to recruit more quality students and sponsoring seminars to help IDA members retain valuable employees.

Grandchildren are one of the great pleasures of reaching senior status. I particularly love to arrive at my daughter’s house early, quietly steal into my two grandsons’ bedroom and watch them awake. There are no adequate words to describe the scene of a grandchild as he slowly wakes up and becomes aware of his surroundings, recognizing that Grandpa is there. His smile and excitement are pure joy.

I then like to make my little guys breakfast. My specialty, and one of their favorites, is sausage and pancakes. My daughter doesn’t even mind if I sprinkle chocolate chips into the pancakes as they cook. Believe me: Little boys think anyone who can make pancakes that good is an amazing grandpa.

Recently I was told by a friend that the average American cannot name his great grandparents. Great grandparents sound like people from the distant past, but they were the parents of our grandparents. You know, Grandpa’s mom and dad. That’s only eight people. What were the great grandparents like? What were their life struggles and triumphs? What were their dreams and aspirations for themselves and their children? That family history for the most part is gone. It also made me wonder: Should we realistically expect to be remembered by our children’s grandchildren? Or, stated another way, what legacy, if any, will we leave future generations?

When I think of a lasting legacy, I picture an important person. To me that would be a transformative figure in history, such as Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln or Martin Luther King, Jr. – people whose lives redefined what American is, and what we as a people believe. I picture someone who, by the strength of his or her convictions, altered the course of the river of history. Obviously a Jefferson, Lincoln or King only comes around once a century, if that frequently, but even in our small world of dentistry the truly remarkable figures such as G. V. Black, L. D. Pankey and Maynard Hine who have left a lasting imprint on our profession are still quite rare. Where does that leave the rest of us?

If Jefferson, Lincoln or King altered the course of the American river, where will the average Joe’s mark be seen? For many of you, your legacy may lie in your personal, religious or community life. Some have given generously as a member of the Lion’s Club or other civic organization, while others have made their legacy secure through service on the school board or through their church. A few have touched the lives of third-world children by traveling on foreign dental missions. The legacy you leave is yours to determine. I wish you the best.

For me that was answered long ago. As I struggled to keep up with my dental school classmates I became aware that I would never be a slick operator. There would be no dinners given in my honor by an exclusive gold foil society. In that great river, my mark would only occur as the smallest ripple in a very remote backwater. Fifty years from now no one will be talking about my exquisite porcelain or gorgeous crown margins. I haven’t developed any innovative technique or breakthrough dental material, and there is no dental lesion named after me as its discoverer. But that’s alright.

If some day in the future there are two middle aged brothers who fondly remember their Grandpa making his special chocolate chip pancakes for them, and took great delight in watching them rub the sleep out of their eyes in the morning and loved them very much, that will be enough. Yes, that will be enough.

Click here for the online award nomination form. You may also contact Jody Cleary, Director of Membership and Financial Services, for a printed nomination form (800.562.JOIN or Jody@INDental.org). All award nominations are due Feb. 15, 2013.

Nominations for IDA Officers

Nominations for IDA officers will be considered for the following offices, and are due no later than January 1, 2013:

The 2012 IDA House of Delegates voted to support the new program, which seeks “promising leaders who are members of racial, ethnic, gender and/or sexual orientation groups that have been traditionally underrepresented in IDA leadership,” according to the House of Delegates resolution.

The participants for the inaugural Indiana AIR program are as follows:

David Austin, DDS,Indianapolis

Bolanle Balogun (IUSD),Indianapolis

Susanne Benedict, DDS,Fishers

Caroline Derrow, DDS,Auburn

Sarah Herd, DDS,Indianapolis

Kathy Pycinska, DDS,Indianapolis

Renee Shirer, DDS,Greenwood

Kelton Stewart, DDS,Indianapolis

LaQuia Walker, DDS,Indianapolis

Participants at the initial two-day session learned about various elements of leadership including personality, strengths, negotiation, team-building, conflict resolution and meeting management.

Dr. Suzanne Germain, who developed the concept for the AIR program as part of her participation in the ADA’s Institute for Diversity in Leadership, said the effort is a breakthrough for the IDA.

“Indiana AIR empowers underrepresented members of organized dentistry to effectively lead in their local communities and at state and national levels,” said Dr. Germain.

For more information about the AIR program contact Jay Dziwlik, Assistant Executive Director, at Jay@INDental.org.

View 2012 Indiana AIR photos online!

I knew that I wanted to go into dentistry after I got my braces removed in ninth grade. I had a huge diastema between my central incisors and had always been self-conscious about it. But when my braces were removed, I gained a confidence about myself I never knew I had, and I haven’t stopped smiling since! I wanted to be able to give others the same feeling that I felt and knew I had to pursue dentistry as a career.

What is your favorite part of dental school?

Every day when I come to school and work with patients, I get to learn something new and exciting. Every patient is different, and I love interacting, working and learning with each of their cases.

Which area(s) of dentistry are you most excited to be learning about?

I love learning about periodontics and endodontics. I think that they are two fields in dentistry that are constantly expanding and growing. My professors who teach the subject are excited and passionate about their fields, too, which encourages me to want to learn more about them as well.

What are you afraid you’re not learning enough about in dental school?

IUSD should place students in clinic to work on patients earlier than they do. Before I started clinics this summer, I felt confident about my hand skills, but had almost no experience working with patients. This was a huge concern for me and my classmates. I think that first- and second-year students are not learning enough about patient care, which is one of the most important aspects to quality dentistry.

The average amount of dental education debt in Indiana is at an all-time high. How are you and your peers dealing with this?

It really is a concern for a lot of my classmates. My situation is a little different than the majority of my peers, because I signed up with the Army’s HPSP military scholarship. Not only does the Army pay for my tuition and fees, but I also receive a monthly stipend as well. It’s nice to be able to have a little side money to treat myself when I want, although some of my classmates still live on the Ramen noodle diet. I will serve in the Army when I graduate, which may not be for everyone, but I’m happy with my decision.

What do you think the most valuable benefit the IDA could offer students would be?

We need mentors. There have been times during first and second years when the IDA has sponsored dinners for us during difficult exam and project weeks, which my class really appreciated. I hope that during third and fourth years that the IDA is there when we really need some guidance on how to best approach dental offices to intern and shadow.

Do you have a positive or negative impression of the corporate practice model?

I understand their place in the dental business world, because they are able to see so many patients in one day. My question is whether the quality of care is at the level that the ADA expects all dentists to perform for their patients. I think the profession is still forming an opinion on the care these businesses ultimately provide, since they are still a relatively new concept.

What do you do to maintain sanity in the midst of your studies?

I recently started up IUSD’s first a cappella group with a second year student, Annissa Michaels. We had auditions last week and found more talent in the dental school than we could have hoped for and are excited to show the school what we’ve got soon…stay tuned!

]]>Wed, 26 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMTHave you been thinking about a trip to Kenya?

As a result of the ADA News article there have been some inquiries about organizing a trip to Kenya. Consequently there is interest in knowing if there may be IDA members who are interested in joining a group to travel to East Africa to witness the dynamic work of IU Schools of Medicine and Dentistry and other academic partners.

The proposed time frame is about 12 days beginning mid-January 2013. The optimal number of travelers would be about 18 people. The group would spend a day or two in Nairobi, and then fly to the world famous Masai Mara game reserve for safari. Then on to Eldoret to visit Moi University and the IU-Kenya Partnership. While in Eldoret we will visit Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, the Riley Mother Baby Hospital, Moi University School of Dentistry and various programs including Tumaini which is a drop-in center for Eldoret’s many street children.

The plans include a second safari which will tour Lake Nakuru National Reserve to see exotic birds including a million flamingos, in addition to lions, and the rare white rhinos in addition to countless other exotic animals. Accommodations in Eldoret will be at the IU compound which comfortably houses American faculty, researchers and visitors to the IU-Kenya partnership.

Housing on safari will be at highly rated safari hotels. Cost of round trip airfare to Nairobi, and then on to Eldoret is currently about $2,500. Additional costs are expected to be approximately $3,500; therefore cost per person is likely to be around $6,000 based on double occupancy.

IUSD Dean, Dr. John Williams and his wife, Ms. Lucy Williams are planning to be part of the group. IUSD faculty member, Karen Yoder, leads dental students and other faculty members in an annual three-week service-learning trip to Kenya and plans to participate in escorting this proposed tour. She and her husband, IDA member, Dr. Keith Yoder worked in East Africa five years and have extensive experience traveling in East Africa. Those who wish to participate should be hearty souls, expect the unexpected and be flexible. The roads are less than optimal but the safaris are spectacular. Witnessing the good that is happening through the IU-Kenya Partnership will make you proud to be from Indiana.

For a second year the Indiana Dental Association's Foundation is sponsoring two exchange dental students from Moi University School of Dentistry in Eldoret, Kenya, to spend time studying at the I. U. School of Dentistry in Indianapolis. The two students, Zipporah Rop and Nahason Maringa (pictured from left to right in the accompanying photo), arrived in Indianapolis August 14 to participate in the international program.

The individuals were selected by Moi University for having the highest academic achievements among the other applicants.

Zipporah and Nahason will be participating in classes, CTS, laboratory, SEAL Indiana and other community-based programs. The exchange students will not be providing clinical services, but IUSD faculty will provide infection control and privacy training to enable them to observe in clinical settings when they have appropriate consents from faculty and patients. IUSD students will host the visiting Moi students. Although Kenya’s national language is Swahili, Zipporah and Nahason are both fluent in English.

Dr. Karen Yoder, Director of Civic Engagement and Health Policy at IUSD, said financial support from multiple organizations helps accomplish important goals for the profession.

"This is another example of how organized dentistry supports student learning and achievement," Dr. Yoder said. "Without support from multiple sources, this wouldn’t be happening."

For more information about the IU-Kenya Partnership visit www.iukenya.org. Information about IUSD’s role in the partnership is located here.

Contact Us

Karen M. Yoder, PhD, MSD
Director, Civic Engagement and Health Policy
Professor of Preventive and Community Dentistry
Indiana University School of Dentistry

Pictured: Participating with Jane Pauley in the ribbon cutting are Walker Career Center high school students Ricky Lacy and Tautiana Brown-Robinson (left) and IU dental students Elizabeth Rogers and Nathan Stanley. Photo courtesy of the Walker Career Center (Photographer: Jeff Bowles).

Noted American broadcast journalist Jane Pauley joined students from the IU School of Dentistry and Metropolitan School District of Warren Township in the cutting of a cluster of ribbons to celebrate a new dental clinic for underserved patients that is nearing completion and housed in the Walker Career Center, located on the campus of Warren Central High School on Indianapolis’ Eastside, where Pauley grew up.

The colorful ribbons at the Aug. 3 ceremony represented each of the four organizations that are committed to the success of the new Jane Pauley Community Health Center Dental Clinic, where IU dental students and Walker’s dental assisting students will begin providing oral healthcare services in January 2013 to adults and children in need who are not currently under the care of a dentist.

Serving Eastside residents since its opening in 2009, the Jane Pauley health center, located inside Warren Township’s Renaissance School at 30th Street and Post Road, has broadened its footprint in the community to become a comprehensive healthcare provider with the addition of the new dental clinic, located inside the Walker Career Center at 9651 E. 21st Street.

Pauley, a 1968 graduate of Warren Central High School, spoke of the power of a partnership that will benefit not only area students but also residents of the surrounding neighborhood, and she stressed the uniqueness of the collaboration that made the school-based clinic possible. “We’re all standing here in a little corner of the Walker center on the Eastside of Indianapolis, but this is a national story, and it is my personal goal to see that this story gets the attention it deserves,” she said. “…This needs to be replicated. You’ve created the template…”

Teaming up with the Pauley health center on the dental clinic project are the Walker Career Center, IU School of Dentistry, and Community Health Network, a leading non-profit healthcare system in Central Indiana that has helped thousands of low-income Hoosiers acquire access to healthcare services, including nearly 40,000 schoolchildren through school-based programs.

Among the speakers at the ribbon cutting was IU’s dean of dentistry, Dr. John Williams, who expressed his appreciation for the dental school’s opportunity to be involved with this project at a time when the nation must rethink access to care issues. Bringing together these different constituencies to create a school-based clinic through Jane Pauley’s leadership is an example of innovation in training as the dental school prepares to educate the next generation of dental professionals, he said.

Construction of the new clinic was made possible with a U.S. Department of Health and Human Services grant of nearly $500,000 awarded to the Community Health Network Foundation. The primary IU professors facilitating the dental school’s participation are Dr. Joan Kowolik of Pediatric Dentistry and Dr. Stuart Schrader of Oral Biology.

One IU dental student who toured the clinic after participating in the ribbon cutting with Pauley says he is looking forward to treating patients there. “It’s going to be a wonderful experience,” says Nathan Stanley, who has already made substantial contributions to community events in his role as co-president of the Kids Club, a local group of dental school volunteers associated with the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. “I see it as a great opportunity for dental students to make an impact on a community while also benefiting from the clinic’s professional setting and having the Walker Career Center dental assisting students helping us every step of the way.”

Dental examinations and restorative treatment will be rendered through a nontraditional joint venture pairing IU students who are in their final year of dental school with Walker Career Center high school students who are enrolled in the center’s Dental Assistant Program. Both groups of students will work under the on-site supervision of faculty from their respective schools.

Children and teenagers will be referred to the clinic by Warren Township school nurses, and adult patients will come from the Pauley health center.

Housed on the Walker Career Center’s second floor and about 2,000 square-feet in size, the Pauley dental clinic is being used by Walker during first semester of the 2012-2013 academic year to train the dental assisting students who will then be assigned to work with IU’s dental students when the clinic opens in the winter. The fully appointed clinic features all new equipment and four treatment areas, a consultation room, a laboratory, and reception area. Plans are for the clinic to be open two days a week year-round.

Pauley is a graduate of Indiana University and holds an honorary IU degree in recognition of her distinguished career in broadcast journalism, including 13 years as co-host of NBC’s TODAY show.

]]>Wed, 15 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT
The Indiana Dental Association's award-winning Drinks Destroy Teeth program is seeking additional member support. In addition to member input and volunteer time, the program's chair, Dr. Diane Buyer, is calling on IDA members for financial support to achieve the programs 2012-2013 goals.

Below are the latest updates for the program, as well as more specific information about volunteer and donation needs.

ADA's new 'MouthHealthy.org' website refers to Drinks Destroy Teeth

The new ADA website for the general public, MouthHealthy.org, went live July 1, 2012, to serve as a public resource for oral health information. The Drinks Destroy Teeth website is mentioned with the preventive information for teens who want to learn more about acids in drinks. This helps spread the word to a wider audience, and has dramatically increased the number of hits to the Drinks Destroy Teeth website. To view the ADA's new website, click here.

Calling all Tech-Savvy Dentists!

The Drinks Destroy Teeth committee is looking for tech-savvy IDA dentists to join the committee and help develop an iPad application for the Drinks Destroy Teeth science lessons. The app will help educate the "iPad generation" about the acids in popular drinks. It is the IDA's sincere hope that the application will help augment the science lessons in classrooms. The Drinks Destroy Teeth subcommittee seeks any technologically inclined dentists who can help guide the process. Interested members should contact Will Sears at Will@INDental.org.

Fund drive to match $10,000

The technology to develop the Drinks Destroy Teeth iPad application will be costly and time-consuming. The cost range is wide, from $20,000 to $70,000. The program is raising funds and hopes to begin at the low range of $20,000. Drinks Destroy Teeth has a commitment of $10,000 from an outside foundation, but only if members can match it with $10,000 in donations. The committee has secured $2,500, so $7500 remains! The committee is accepting any amount a society or individual wishes to donate. If we cannot reach the threshold of $10,000, donations will be returned to the donors.

]]>Mon, 13 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMTIndiana Dentist newsletter randomly selects a member to interview about a variety of questions, ranging from practice advice to favorite hobbies. For the August issue we chatted with Dr. Virginia Crose, a retired IDA member from Zionsville, who helped pioneer Indiana dentistry for women.

You began dental school in a time when dentistry was dominated by men. What challenges did you face during that time?

VC: The challenges started the first day of class at Northwestern University School of Dentistry. Dental anatomy lab literally “began with a bang,” as our instructor came over to my desk and threw my purse on the floor. I quickly learned to keep my purse on the floor. The next day, he requested I come to the front of the lab where he reached for his nail clippers and promptly cut off my manicured long fingernails. His order was “no long nails in this class,” to which I replied, “No sir, thank you sir!” He was a Navy Commander, as was my father. I was used to dealing with military discipline, so I wasn’t entirely out of my realm. I worked hard and gained the respect of my classmates, and ultimately his.

If dental school was that challenging for women, what was it like to start practicing during that same time?

VC: When I first started in practice, few women were in the profession. In fact I was the first woman accepted into the James Whitcomb Riley Pedodontic Residency Program. Being in debt, having no credit rating (i.e. before charge cards), and no credit histories being on file for female dentists made it impossible to borrow money to start a practice. Associateships and group practices were almost non-existent, so finding employment was a daunting task. Since I was married, the first question at each interview was, “What are you going to do if you get pregnant?” Building referrals was also an uphill battle, but eventually my male colleagues started to take me seriously, gained confidence in my skills, appreciated the treatment their patients received and realized I was in for the long haul. Eight years later, financing became available, and I started my own practice. Not all was gloom and doom. During those years I learned valuable things and gained priceless experience about how to manage a practice wisely and efficiently. I also found that being a woman in pediatric dentistry had its advantages. The mothers, who were the ones bringing the children to my office, seemed to enjoy relating to me, especially after I also became a mother. Communication was easier; children seemed less fearful, and my patient referrals flourished.

Was it harder to start a practice as a woman in dentistry?

VC: Being in debt, having no credit rating, and there being no credit histories on female dentists, it was impossible to borrow money to start a practice. Associateships and group practices were almost non-existent, so finding employment was a daunting task. Since I was already married, the first question at each interview was “What are you going to do if you get pregnant and quit?” Building referrals was also an uphill battle, but eventually my male colleagues started to take me seriously, gained confidence in my skills, appreciated the treatment their patients received and realized I was in for the long haul. Eight years later, financing became available, and I started my own practice.

What do you do for fun during retirement?

VC: My husband and I have made a game of looking for bargains and then bragging about our savings. We love our “senior” discounts and now have the time to attend cheaper movie matinees. We combine our errands to save gas and use our library more. It’s all fun, but it is serious fun. I also love our leisurely morning talks over coffee and tea. We both enjoy traveling and are working hard on our “bucket lists.” Then there is a new little man in our lives, our grandson, whom we are experiencing together. What joy!

How did you know when to retire?

VC: Ten years ago, after having a detached retina, I realized my team needed long-term job security, and the patients deserved continuity in healthcare. After two years of discussion and planning, Dr. Erin Phillips joined our staff. Unlike most practice transitions, our process involved one attorney who represented both of us fairly. We created a contract that eventually allowed her to purchase the practice and have me continue as an associate for as long as we both were happy with me around.

What do you believe dentists have the hardest time with when considering retirement?

VC: I believe the main challenge to retiring doctors at this time is developing a retirement budget that takes into consideration prolonged low interest rates on savings, poor real estate returns and stagnant sales, increasing property taxes, increased cost of living, plus anticipated higher taxes (i.e. capital gains and new investment/dividend taxes).

Looking back, are you glad you chose to go into dentistry?

VC: My goal in life was never to be rich, but to have enough resources to have a safe home for our family, to be able to send the kids to college, and to retire with some security. I thank dentistry for enabling this. It is a wonderful profession that allowed me to meet many caring and interesting people. I encourage all dentists to be active in their local dental societies and the IDA. It has a priceless effect on your practice and your life.

What advice do you feel is timeless for colleagues of any age?
VC: My timeless advice to colleagues is to pace yourself. It pays off in the long run, both mentally and physically. After I had children, I decided to work three 10-hour days per week, allowing me to be home with the kids the remaining four. My staff loved the schedule, as many of them also had preschoolers. The employees who needed a 40-hour week came in on non-patient days to answer the phones, attend to the mail, post checks, send statements, confirm patients, file and pull charts, attend to insurance needs, super-clean the autoclaves and restock. The three clinical days were all about production, and everyone geared up for it. I never regretted my time at home. We may have had a higher lifestyle with a five-day week, but at what cost? I never got burned out or tired of dentistry. I was able to continue enjoying practice for longer than I ever planned, right up to the last patient. It all balanced out.

]]>Mon, 13 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT
In recent months communities in Northern Indiana have suspended fluoridation. North Liberty and Walkerton in St. Joseph County, and Argos in Marshall County, have all discontinued fluoridation due to cost considerations.

Dr. Kerry Knape and Dr. Tom Pedavoli have been working with the lDA and the Indiana State Department of Health to get these communities back on line with public fluoridation.

The American Dental Association has also reported in recent weeks that some local economies are leading many communities to reconsider their continuation of fluoride in public water systems.

Indiana needs your help. If you are a dentist who serves as a local appointed or elected official, please let us know. Often, local health boards have members who are dentists, and some dentists serve as town, city or county officials. Please contact Ed Popcheff, IDA Director of Governmental Affairs, at Ed@INDental.org to get involved in your community.
]]>Mon, 13 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT
The Indiana Dental Association has created complimentary signs for members to post in the areas required by the new law, as follows:

Public Entrances: Any public entrance must have a sign stating that smoking is prohibited within eight feet of the door(s). [DOWNLOAD]

Inside Your Office: A sign noting the smoking ban must be posted in at least two public spaces within your office. [DOWNLOAD]

Any questions related to the ban may be directed to the IDA Director of Governmental Affairs, Ed Popcheff, at Ed@INDental.org.]]>Mon, 13 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT
The Oral Health Program (OHP) at the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) recently announced its plans to conduct a statewide survey during 2012 and 2013 to determine the oral health status of third graders in Indiana.

The Division of Nutrition and Physical Activity will team with the OHP to concurrently obtain height, weight and body mass index measurements on the participating third graders. This survey is made possible with dedicated funding of $100,000 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Preventive Health and Health Services Block Grant and an obesity prevention grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The information obtained from this statewide survey will help guide and direct public health efforts and programs within Indiana pertaining to the oral health and nutrition and physical activity of children.
]]>Fri, 10 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT
The Indiana State Board of Dentistry recently announced Dr. Gary Haller, an IDA member dentist from Huntingburg, Ind., as its new President.

Membership is comprised of 11 gubernatorial appointees. This year's appointees include the following members from the dental community:

The Indiana Dental Association extends its appreciation Laverne Whitmore, LDH, BS, for her service to the Board for nearly 10 years. Jennifer Bartek, LDH, is the new appointee to represent dental hygiene on the Board.

About the Board
The Indiana State Board of Dentistry licenses and regulates dentistry and its related professions in Indiana. Board members review applications from persons desiring to begin the practice of dentistry in the state and schedule examinations for applicants. The board also issues permits to administer general anesthesia or sedation.

]]>Tue, 07 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMTThe Student Professionalism & Ethics Association in Dentistry (SPEA) has announced its 2012-2013 officers at the Indiana University School of Dentistry:

According to the SPEA website, the Student Professionalism and Ethics Association in Dentistry is a national student-driven association that was established to promote and support students’ lifelong commitment to ethical behavior in order to benefit the patients they serve and to further the dental profession.

The objectives of the Association are:

Act as a support system for students in strengthening their personal and professional ethics values by:

“The driving issue at this year’s House was finances,” according to IDA Executive Director Doug Bush.”

Bush further explained that projected income is down, primarily as a result of commission cuts to the IDA’s for-profit subsidiary, IDA Insurance Services, Inc. Federal legislation (the Affordable Care Act) required insurance companies to reduce expenses, and most responded by cutting the commissions they pay to the brokers who sell their products.

The reduction in non-dues revenue forced the House consider a dues increase. Ultimately, the House approved raising 2013 dues from $400 to $460. Additionally, the IDA’s chief policymaking body assigned a one-time assessment for full-dues paying members to balance the 2012-13 budget. The last dues increase for IDA members was in 2010.

The House also focused on a series of resolutions proposed by the Task Force to Review the Dental Practice Act. The Task Force recommended more than 20 changes to the Indiana Dental Practice Act or Administrative Code of the Indiana State Board of Dentistry.

“Most of the Task Force recommendations were to clear up ambiguities in the existing law,” Bush said.

Other resolutions proposed more significant changes. The House approved a proposal to change the definition of what it means to practice dentistry. The House also debated, and ultimately referred, a resolution to grant the Indiana State Board of Dentistry authority to regulate corporately owned dental practices. The resolution came in response to the failure of Allcare Dental, a dental chain that abruptly closed its offices in January 2011, prompting hundreds of complaints to the Indiana Attorney General’s office.

“There was consensus that enhanced regulations are needed, since the corporate practice model did not exist when the Dental Practice Act was written,” Bush said. “The House was unable to develop the specific regulatory language, so it voted to give the issue additional research. The Council on Governmental Affairs will be working with legal counsel to develop new regulations that provide safeguards to the public, without placing an undue burden on the traditional dental practice models.”

Dr. John R. Roberts, a general dentist practicing in Connersville, became the IDA’s 154th president at the 2012 House of Delegates meeting, held in conjunction with the Annual Session. Dr. Desiree Dimond, Indianapolis, advanced to President-Elect; Dr. Steven J. Holm, Portage, retired as Speaker of the House and assumed the office of Vice-President; Dr. Chad R. Leighty, Marion, was elected 2013-14 Vice-President; and Dr. Jill Burns, Richmond, assumed the role of Vice-Speaker. Dr. Jeffrey Platt, Indianapolis, became Speaker of the House. All officers ran unopposed.

]]>Mon, 30 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT
As part of an ongoing effort to make member communications more effective, the IDA Editorial Board and Council on Communications are transitioning the printed Association newsletter content to the printed Journal and IDA website this fall.

The 2012 House of Delegates approved the merging of publications at its meeting in June, following a yearlong membership survey process by the Council on Communications.

In addition to saving $4,000 in the first year, the discontinuation of the newsletter will allow more timely delivery of news stories to members with biweekly email updates. Members currently receive the newsletter every other month, making much of the content dated by the time it reaches members’ mailboxes.

“We are keenly aware of the challenges we face in making sure members don’t feel a loss of membership value as a result of the transition,” said Will Sears, Director of Communications. “While the newsletter will be gone, we are adding improvements to the content of the journal and website over the coming months that should actually add new value to being an IDA members.”

The last issue of the newsletter will ship to members in December, with a full redesign of the Journal to be released by early January 2013.

INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Dental Association honored Dr. John R. Roberts, a dentist from Connersville, Ind., at its 2012 Annual Session in Indianapolis at the Hyatt Regency.

Dr. Roberts, a 1982 graduate of the Indiana University School of Dentistry, is a member of the Eastern District Dental Society and practices in Connersville.

In his presidential address, Dr. Roberts said advocacy on behalf of patients must continue to be a priority in the year ahead.

"Advocacy for both our profession and the health of all Hoosiers will always remain the top priority for the Indiana Dental Association," Dr. Roberts said. "Putting our patients first will always put us on the right side of every issue."

The Indiana Dental Association introduced Dr. Roberts as the new president at its 154th Annual Session, held at the Hyatt Regency Indianapolis downtown June 6-9, 2012.

The following is an excerpt from an interview with Dr. John Roberts that appears in the summer 2012 issue of the Journal Indiana Dental Association:

IDA: What will be your primary focus as IDA President for the coming year?

Roberts: In addition to my predecessors’ ongoing efforts to improve communications and promote advocacy, we must also turn our eyes toward membership trends, which pose a growing and grave concern for the Indiana Dental Association. These trends are reflected at the national level, as well. Of course the state and national levels of organized dentistry can only do so much to provide resources strongly perceived by members to be valuable; perhaps the hardest work must be done at the component level.

IDA: How is the face of IDA membership changing?

Roberts: Membership trends are different today than they were when the majority of IDA members joined. Dentists from my generation, the “Baby Boomers,” joined the IDA because it was expected of us. It was the “right thing” to do. Just as important was the fact that someone personally invited us to a local meeting and made us feel welcome.

IDA: What mindset changes are necessary, then, for the Association to adapt to these new membership trends?

Roberts: While I believe belonging to the IDA is still the right thing to do, and that collegial acceptance and inclusion will always be an essential value of membership, there are serious factors at play in how our new generation of dentists approach membership in organized dentistry. These sharp young individuals need to be shown the value of being a member upfront, rather than gradually witnessing across their careers the lifelong benefits of belonging to the IDA. It's our job to do that, so we have to rethink how we "sell" membership, and we have to deliver real, tangible value to members from day one.

IDA: What are the non-negotiable benefits of being an IDA member, despite the changes you hope to bring about?

Roberts: I would hope that when someone joins this incredible community known as organized dentistry, it is to not only “do the right thing,” but to reap the benefits of camaraderie, professional growth in every aspect of dental practice and, then, to help influence the future of our beloved profession for those who follow in our footsteps.

Contact Us

Will Sears, Director of Communications800.562.5646Will@INDental.org]]>Sat, 09 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMT
More than 1,500 Indiana Dental Association (IDA) dentists and dental staff sank their teeth into downtown Indianapolis at their annual conference June 6-9 at the Hyatt Regency Indianapolis.

The IDA holds its Annual Session to provide Indiana dentists with continuing education opportunities, special membership events, awards ceremonies and chances to connect with colleagues.

"This is the best time of year to see what the best of dentistry in Indiana has to offer," said Dr. Terry Schechner, Immediate Past President of the Association. "We have members from all over the state come together to share practice advice, learn new things together and reach out to the younger dentists. This event raises the bar for dentistry statewide, and patients are the primary beneficiaries."

In addition to meeting-related activities, members had ample time to explore downtown Indianapolis restaurants, shopping and nightlife.

The House will also debate 20 recommended changes to the Indiana Dental Practice Act.

“The IDA’s general financial picture is good, but the Association will face a significant deficit if the dues increase is not approved,” said IDA Executive Director Doug Bush.

Bush further explained that the budget crunch is not the result of significant spending increases, but the result of anticipated revenue decreases.

“Many members don’t realize that the majority of IDA income doesn’t come from dues,” he said. “Fifty-seven percent of income is in the form of royalties, sponsorships, advertising, and user fees.

“One of IDA’s greatest benefactors is its for-profit subsidiary, IDA Insurance Services (IDAIS). Unfortunately, the enactment of the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) led to significant cuts in commission income to IDAIS which, in turn, led to a $100,000 reduction to what IDAIS pays IDA in sponsorships, advertising, employees and office leasing.”

Bush also said the IDA received almost $60,000 in income from the bi-annual ethics and jurisprudence issue of the Journal of the Indiana Dental Association. Since the issue only comes out every other year, that income will not repeat in 2012-2013.

The Board of Trustees, which met April 28, is recommending raising dues for full-dues paying members from $400 to $557. Alternatives discussed included tapping the Association’s reserve fund, or making significant cuts to programs or member services.

The House will also hear recommendations from a task force appointed to review and suggest changes to the Indiana Dental Practice Act. The task force, chaired by Past President Dr. Dick Martin, is recommending numerous changes.

“Some of the proposed changes clean up out-of-date language, while others clarify ambiguities,” said Bush.

The House will consider a total of 38 resolutions at its June 7-9 meeting, held in conjunction with the IDA Annual Session at the Hyatt Regency Indianapolis.

All resolutions, as well as year-end reports from every council and committee, are available online for review (members only) at https://www.indental.org/HOD.

]]>Mon, 14 May 2012 00:00:00 GMTWhat additional education is required for assistants and hygienists to administer anesthesia, caries prevention, polishing and X-rays? Dental team members must complete educational or testing requirements to perform certain delegated duties.

Anesthesia Permits for Licensed Dental Hygienists

An applicant for a dental hygiene anesthetic permit must complete a course in local anesthesia administration through an educational program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) of the American Dental Association. The course must include, at a minimum, 15 hours of didactic instruction and 14 hours of laboratory work. Dental hygienists who want to administer local anesthesia will be required to take and pass the North East Regional Board (NERB) local anesthesia examination, or another substantially equivalent regional or state examination,to obtain a permit. If you already have a hygiene license, you must still obtain a permit from the State Board of dentistry and fulfill the education requirements.

Caries Prevention, Polishing and X-rays for Dental Assistants

For application of anticariogenics, assistants must complete nine hours of didactic instruction, as well as two hours of lab work including two mannequin and two live patients. Upon completion of five patients under the direct supervision, the assistant will receive an affidavit of completion.

For polishing, an assistant who has been in practice for one year may take five hours of didactic instruction and two hours of lab work, demonstrate competency on five patients under the direct observation of a dentist or hygienist and get a signed verification of competency.

For X-rays, dental assistants have two options for meeting requirements: (1) Attend a CODA-accredited institution, or (2) complete a home self-study course. On-the-job training doesn’t exist, but distance learning opportunities do. The American Association of Dental Assistants provides a training manual for their members, and the IDA offers a home self-study program. All radiation technologists must pass the radiation portion of the Dental Assisting National Board.

Visit to www.in.gov/isdh for the Indiana State Department of Health, or www.in.gov/pla for the Professional licensing agency for more information on any of the requirements, or to download related forms.

]]>Mon, 14 May 2012 00:00:00 GMTBy WILLIAM B. RISK, DDS

IDPAC Chair

Last November a long-time patient came to my office with a four-unit bridge in her hand. She had not visited the office for a while due to health concerns and, during that time, the crown on the upper-left second molar had become loose.

She was on medication that reduced salivary flow, and the resulting decay was quite extensive. Upon examination it became obvious that if the bridge was to be salvaged, or even remade, root canal therapy would be necessary. I began the root canal, and we made an appointment for its completion. We then billed her insurance company for the procedure.

At her next appointment we decided that, since the tooth would still be a questionable bridge abutment even after endodontic therapy, we would remove the tooth and restore the upper-left quadrant with two implants. We removed the tooth, and only charged the patient for the extraction, not for any of the root canal treatment. We billed her insurance company for the extraction and also notified them that the root canal would not be done.

But, it was too late. The check had already been mailed. My patient paid for the work that was completed, and subsequently two implants have been placed.

In March I received a certified letter from my patient’s carrier demanding a refund of the $612 it had paid for the root canal, since the tooth was extracted. This refund was to be made within 30 days.

It must be remembered here that I am not a preferred provider for any insurance company, so I don’t always receive payment directly from them. In this case I did not receive any checks from my patient’s insurance company.

Not only are they demanding a return of the money which I didn’t receive, but if I dispute their findings I am to send complete patient records (both treatment and financial) and duplicate radiographs for them to determine if they owe a refund.

A rather interesting aspect of the threat is what will happen if I did not comply and remit the $612. If it is determined that a refund is owed, it will come from the automatic deduction process. I assume this means that the patient’s benefits will be jeopardized and withheld until the insurance company feels the refund has been obtained.

What’s wrong with this is, what if my patient sees another dentist during this withholding period? Will she not have complete benefits? Why didn’t her carrier contact the actual check payee and ask her to return the money?

This is one more example of why Assignment of Benefits legislation is necessary. With assignment of benefits, the insurance company can deal directly with the health care provider if there is a question or a dispute over the patient’s treatment. The patient’s benefits are never in jeopardy by having a deduction period. Because the insurance company would deal directly with the provider, the patient could still see another dentist and still have the benefits his or her premiums provide.

To be continued..

]]>Mon, 14 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT
By JAY DZIWLIK

Assistant Executive Director

The Indiana Dental Association recently received $26,200 in two grants from the American Dental Association for new membership outreach programs: The Indiana AIR Leadership Program and “Dental Divas” program for women dentists.

The American Dental Association has recently seen drops in market share of both women and young dentists. Their new “Membership Program for Growth (MPG)” focuses on awarding grants to constituent dental societies with specific membership outreach programs impacting target membership demographics.

The Indiana AIR Leadership Development Program is focused on training future leaders for the dental profession, particularly those from diverse backgrounds. The program is a two-year leadership training program open to all members, but focused on these new dentists in an effort to prepare the association’s next generation of leaders with skills needed for leading in their dental practices, their communities and their dental association. The first class begins this fall with exploring leadership skills, team building, negotiation and conflict resolution, communication skills, advocacy training and leadership logistics. Interested individuals can apply to the Indiana AIR Program online at INDental.org/AIR.

The second initiative is the “Dental Divas” program. The program specifically reaches out to female dentists. Membership statistics indicate that women dentists are a growing demographic, and the IDA knows women face unique challenges in the dental profession. The IDA Council on Membership is in the planning stage for the program and hopes to host a one-day summit for women dentists this fall. The “Dental Diva” event will include continuing education; address specific issues women dentists face (i.e. health issues; leadership, staffing, etc.), and a “Local Dental Diva Launch Packet” that will help local components host their own gatherings for women dentists.

If you would like to be a part of planning or programming for either of the events, please contact the IDA Central Office at 800.562.5646 and speak with Jay Dziwlik.

]]>Mon, 14 May 2012 00:00:00 GMTBy WILL SEARS

Director of Communications

The IDA Council on Communications recently released a series of online tutorial videos to help familiarize members with basic features of the Association’s website.

The short video clips describe the steps for some key online member services, such as searching the membership directory, renewing membership, signing up for legislative alerts, and using council and committee webpages.

The full list of videos includes the following topics:

Welcome to the Homepage

How to Use the Membership Directory

Membership Center Login Instructions

How to Join or Renew Membership Online

Contacting the IDA Central Office

Social Media at the IDA

Overview of the Membership Center

How to Sign Up for Legislative Alerts

Introduction to Council & Committee Webpages

How to Advertise with the IDA

“Because an increasing number of resources are found exclusively on the website, it’s important for members to be competent and comfortable accessing them,” said Dr. Lorraine Celis, Chair of the Council on Communications. “We believe our growing number of online resources add real membership value, but the members first have to know how to navigate the site successfully. These videos certainly help.”

]]>Mon, 14 May 2012 00:00:00 GMTMore than 75 fourth-year students at the Indiana University School of Dentistry committed to membership in organized dentistry in late April, as part of the Indiana Dental Association’s annual “Signing Day.”

In addition to providing information about graduation, the event provides an opportunity to sign up for membership in the IDA. New graduates who remain in Indiana are eligible for all of the benefits of IDA membership at no cost during their first year out of school.

“We understand that IUSD students graduate with significant debt, and that they feel the pressure to start practicing as soon as possible,” said Jody Cleary, IDA Director of Membership and Financial Services. “Signing Day makes it convenient for the students to give us the information we need to continue to reach out to them.”

If students indicate they plan to move elsewhere to practice, they are still encouraged to fill out the forms to provide up-to-date contact information to the American Dental Association.

IUSD students participated in commencement ceremonies Saturday, May 12.

]]>Mon, 14 May 2012 00:00:00 GMTBy JONATHAN MAYO

Director, IDA Insurance Services, Inc.

President Barack Obama signed the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) on March 23, 2010. Two years have passed, and there is still much work to do to determine the practical implications of the 2,400-page law.

The law only provides provisions, not regulations. For industry experts, human resource firms and legal teams, it seems as though new government regulations have been announced on a weekly basis. Staying up-to-date with the changes and maintaining compliance can be complicated.

As of the early spring of this year, PPACA has had little impact on patients’ access to dental care. Patients are still purchasing dental insurance from the same distribution channels (employer group benefit plans, individual health insurance with bundled dental benefits or stand-alone dental plans), or traditional fee-for-service models. Many fee-for-service patients take advantage of the favorable tax laws surrounding Flex Spending Accounts (FSA’s), Health Savings Accounts (HSA’s), or Health Reimbursement Accounts (HRA’s). PPACA did not adversely change any of the tax advantages when used for qualified dental services. Beginning January 2014, there will be potential for major changes, especially including the State and Federal Insurance Exchanges.

The concept of the “Exchange,” along with the entire Act, could all be impacted or overturned by the United States Supreme Court ruling, due no later than July 2012. The Court heard testimony last March. The central issue of the legal challenge and testimony is the individual mandate, with the central question being, “Does Congress have the right to require all Americans to obtain health insurance, or to pay a penalty for being uninsured?”

For political enthusiasts, the central arguments are outlined below by Ronald Bachman, a contributing writer to the Hays Company monthly newsletter. Note: Hays Company is the Indiana Dental Association’s retained health insurance and employee benefits consultant.

Arguments made for PPACA constitutionality

The Federal Government argued that Congress expressly found that the minimum coverage provision “regulates activity that is commercial and economic in nature,” namely “how and when healthcare is paid for, and when health insurance is purchased.” In addition to finding that the minimum coverage provision regulates economic activity having a substantial effect on interstate commerce, Congress found that the provision is necessary to achieve the goals of PPACA’s guaranteed-issue and community-rating insurance reforms. Those provisions will require that insurers provide coverage and charge premiums without regard to a person’s medical history.

Arguments made against PPACA constitutionality

Indiana and the 25 other states advancing the case argued that the entire bill should be unconstitutional, because “Congress made clear that the act was structured so that it could not achieve its goal of near-universal coverage without the individual mandate. It is thus clear that without the mandate, Congress would not have enacted the supply-side provisions, and without those costly provisions to offset, the balance of the act never would have emerged.

Being aware of the Supreme Court testimonies and upcoming decision date is noteworthy, but the purpose of this article is to inform, not speculate. As Health Care Reform currently is written, what would the Exchange look like? How would the Exchange change the options your patients have for dental insurance benefits? How will Exchanges impact the number of patients who purchase dental insurance? The answers are, the Exchanges would still present your patients with the opportunity to buy a health insurance plan with integrated dental benefits, similar to an employer group benefits package, or to purchase a stand-alone dental benefit. That model does not look any different than the choices today. Perhaps most important, purchasing dental insurance is not part of the mandate. This keeps the fee-for-service model still viable. So what is different?

The Exchange, as outlined in future regulations, will set a minimum Essential Health Benefit Package (EHBP). Congress recognized the importance of oral health and included “pediatric oral services” as part of the Essential Health Benefit Package. All patients insured through small group or individual health insurance plans – inside or outside the Exchange – must be offered these benefits. The benefits must be provided through the medical plan with the wrap-around or embedded dental benefits, or a stand-alone dental plan. These “essentials” must be covered services on every plan beginning January 2014.

The next important question that you may have already been asking is, “What constitutes ‘pediatric oral services’?” This decision is still to be determined. As stated earlier, PPACA simply laid out provisions. The regulations, which will clearly define the provisions, are being discussed and ruled upon across several state and federal agencies. Among the questions surrounding “pediatric oral services,” one of the most critical is what age is considered “pediatric.” Will the regulations use the clinical age of 12, or the most common public program age of 19 — or the newly defined dependent age 26? Along with bringing clarity to the age question, upcoming regulations will also need to define what is and is not a covered service.

It is expected that all covered services under “pediatric oral services” would be covered by the plan at 100%, with no out-of-pocket costs to the insured.

The previous paragraphs discussed the Exchange, but what exactly is an Insurance Exchange? Honestly, each state can create their own model of the Exchange, as long as it meets certain federal requirements. Exchanges can be State- or Federal-operated, or States can even establish a multi-state Exchange. The one over-arching premise is that the Federal Government will fund the Exchanges through 2015 (or the first two years), and then the Exchanges must be self-sustaining. The concept of “self-sustaining” will become a delicate balance of enrollment (mandate or not), community rating of premiums, and control of claim costs related to plan design.

Ms. Seema Verma, of SVC Inc., recently spoke to the IDA’s Council on Dental Benefits. Ms. Verma is currently contracted by the Indiana Governor’s Office to advise and guide the State through compliance with Federal Health Care Reform. Ms. Verma’s previous experience includes being the architect for the Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP). She advised the Council that Indiana’s Exchange could be designed in one of four ways. The first is simple: adopt the federal option. None of the plan characteristics, operational costs, or impact to the user, however, are defined. The other three options are: a Clearinghouse, Evaluator, or Active Purchaser models.

A Clearinghouse model would function similar to the travel website Orbitz.com. It would provide all of the market options, give required information such as price, amenities and locations, but does not influence the marketplace in any meaningful way. Orbitz.com does not tell hotels what price they must charge, or what amenities they must have to be included in a search. An Exchange in this model would simply pool together any and all health insurance options (including dental and vision plans), and display essential information only. Plan prices, benefits and other key components in a Clearinghouse model would be set by the health insurance carriers (the capitalistic marketplace), not the state of Indiana.

The Evaluator model would provide a consumer experience like Amazon.com. Just as Amazon.com rates specific items, even identifies “top sellers” and impacts the marketplace for goods based upon volume and ease of transaction, an Indiana Exchange in this model would do the same. The Indiana Exchange would rate and recommend plans based upon a variety of factors, including customer service and claims payment. This model preserves the marketplace choices and builds upon competition among carriers, because of the rating and evaluation tools.

The Active Purchaser model is already in use in Massachusetts. This model assigns the State as the price negotiator. The State becomes the bulk purchaser through a request-for-proposal (RFP) process. This could provide the lowest premiums, but would likely limit consumers’ choices.

Another primary purpose of the Exchange is to provide a mechanism for insureds to apply their qualified tax subsidy to the insurance premiums. Tax subsidies are scheduled to be available between 133%-400% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Below 133% is Medicaid eligibility, and above 400% there is zero tax subsidy. If a single person or family is eligible for a tax subsidy based upon income, the only way to receive the subsidy is to purchase a plan through the Exchange. For individuals or families above 400%, the options will be to purchase insurance either on or off the Exchange. The regulations have not yet clearly defined how similar or different plans on and off the Exchange may be.

Another subsidy exists for small businesses in the form of a Health Care Tax Credit, effective Jan. 1, 2010. The credit is specific to small businesses providing health insurance for employees. Eligible small businesses must have less than the equivalent of 25 full-time employees, cover at least 50% of the health insurance premiums for their employees and pay average annual wages below $50,000. The actual dollar value of the credit varies, based upon the average annual wage and total full-time employees (or equivalent). The credit is worth up to 35% of the premiums from 2010-2013. Beginning Jan. 1, 2014, the credit increases to 50% of the employee’s health insurance premiums. Businesses can claim the credit from 2010-2013 and any two years after 2013. The maximum number of years a small business can claim the Health Care Tax Credit is six years. Consult with your accountant or tax advisor regarding this credit.

The IDA has provided a Group Health Insurance Program to member dentists and their dependents, employees, as well as students and faculty of the Indiana University School of Dentistry since 1976. PPACA will undoubtedly impact this member benefit. The degree to which the program will be affected is still being evaluated.

More than 4,000 lives are insured through the IDA’s health insurance program today. Hays Companies of Indiana has been retained by the IDA to provide consultation and compliance services relating to our group health plan. Whether you are insured in the group health plan today, or considering its benefits to your practice, you can trust the service and advice of the IDA’s Insurance Services team.

New regulations will continue to be defined by the Federal and State Governments between now and Jan. 1, 2014. The official website for Health Care Reform in Indiana is www.in.gov/aca.

If you have additional questions or concerns about how PPACA will affect your practice or patients, please contact IDA Insurance Services at 800.417.8424.

]]>Mon, 14 May 2012 00:00:00 GMTBy MICHAEL D. RADER

Associate Editor, Indiana Dentist

I recently moved to Michigan and made the dreaded trek to the local license branch to apply for a new driver’s license.

After a 45-minute wait I made it to the head of the queue, only to recognize an ominous sign: Cheri, the license bureau employee who would be helping me, was wearing a “clerk-trainee” nametag.

I had arrived with all the required identification and documents (at least five from four categories). Cheri seemed unfamiliar with each and required approval from her supervisor. When finally satisfied with my identity Cheri asked, “When are you available for your skills test?”

I was stunned. “Are you sure I have to take a driver’s test?” I asked, wondering why Michigan was so demanding. Cheri left to check with her supervisor again and returned to assure me that Michigan would take Indiana’s word on my driving competence. I found out later that this was Cheri’s first day on the job.

Cheri then escorted me to the photo machine to take my driver’s license photo. Just as she was preparing to take my picture she cautioned me to make sure I was standing on the white line. As I looked down to check if I was toeing the line, Cheri took my picture. Now, if Michigan wanted to identify someone by his male-pattern baldness, I would have had the perfect I.D. You couldn’t see my face but it was great shot of the top of my head.

To make matters worse Cheri panicked when she saw the picture, double-clicked the photo, and saved that image to the computer. She didn’t know how to erase that photo as my official driver’s license picture. Again, Cheri consulted with her supervisor and was informed that I needed to return to the first line, have the original transaction voided, and begin the process from the beginning.

On the second photo attempt I was ready. I lined up my size 11’s exactly on the white line and, as Cheri took the picture, someone looking for the restroom walked between me and the blue backdrop. Another first! I bet you’ve never seen a driver’s license photo with two people in the picture.

Imagine the confusion when asked to produce a picture I.D. I would need to say, “Excuse me officer, I’m the balding, middle-aged guy on the right!”

And again, Cheri had double-clicked and saved the photo.

Needing an explanation why she was voiding a second transaction, Cheri explained to the weary supervisor that she had a “twitchy finger.” It was her first day on the job, but wasn’t Cheri acting suspiciously like someone planting seeds for a future medical claim? After all, a twitchy finger could become a serious disability.

Well, back to the first line again to void the transaction and apply for a third time. I had arrived with mountains of documents proving who I was and would be leaving with mountains of voided transactions proving that computers don’t save paper. Thank God Michigan has a tree-covered Upper Peninsula, because Cheri was deforesting the state like crazy. Who knew that a twitchy finger could cause an environmental disaster?

Fortunately, like the old saying, “Third time’s a charm.” I managed to have a reasonably normal photo taken, and it only took an additional hour and three attempts. I left with a new Michigan driver’s license and firsthand knowledge that the rumors about the poor customer service at the license branch are untrue. Nobody I encountered was ill-tempered, rude, or lazy. Cheri was cheerfully trying her best. Her supervisor was patient and understanding, and the process seemed to speed up with each attempt.

I knew as I was walking out the door that afternoon that I had found the topic for a column. I only needed an ending. Then it hit me. Any business – a dental office, gas station, or even a government agency – can have poor customer (patient) service if their Cheri’s receive inadequate training or have a poor attitude. The license bureau is notorious for poor customer service, but how many patients have we disappointed and, as a result, left our practice? Most of my new patients aren’t really “new.” They’ve left a dental office and are looking for better service somewhere else. Unfortunately, I’ve lost patients for the same reason.

As Dr. James Pride said, “The only thing worse than training an employee and having them leave is not training them and having them stay.” The license bureau gets a bad rap, because there is no alternative where an unhappy customer can take his or her business. Unless, of course, you move to Michigan.

]]>Mon, 14 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT
The Indiana Dental Association will host its 154th Annual Session in Indianapolis June 6-9, 2012, at the Hyatt Regency downtown.

Approximately 1,500 dentists, dental staff, spouses and exhibitors will convene to participate in continuing education opportunities, social events, downtown tourism and the meeting of the IDA House of Delegates.

Held in French Lick last year, the IDA’s signature meeting will find its traditional host city quite different following a series of dramatic renovations completed last February for the Super Bowl. Not only are basic downtown features such as roads, sidewalks and transportation options improved, but new restaurants, breweries, and nightlife opportunities are on members’ checklists for the meeting.

“Members can certainly expect a more exciting mix of activity options, compared to the last time the meeting was held in Indianapolis,” said Dr. Jeffrey Bennett, Chair of the Council on Annual Session.

Some of the most spectacular downtown updates are at the new host hotel, the Hyatt Regency Indianapolis. The hotel invested more than $20 million to completely refurbish guest rooms, suites and the revolving “Eagle’s Nest” restaurant on its top floor.

According to the Indianapolis Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, the renovations to the Hyatt Regency Indianapolis are the most extensive of its 35 years of operation. In addition to remodeling its existing rooms, suites and revolving restaurant, the Hyatt added two new dining and nightlife venues on the first floor, including its “One South” Italian eatery and “Level One” bar.

Continuing education, a key function of the IDA Annual Session, will also keep attendees busy and offer a diverse lineup of speakers. Course topics range from the latest trends in practice management to clinical lectures addressing such treatments as direct aesthetic posterior restorations.

As part of the meeting the Indiana Dental Political Action Committee will also host its annual silent auction and reception. Guest speakers include Rep. Mike Pence, Indiana’s Republican gubernatorial candidate, and Dr. Denny Zent, an IDA member now running as the Republican candidate for Indiana’s 51st House District seat.

“We are thrilled to have Mike Pence on the agenda this year,” said Dr. Bill Risk, Chair of IDPAC. “He has been a friend of dentistry for many years.

“We are also hoping to further rally our members around the candidacy of one of our own, Denny Zent, who would be a fine leader on behalf of dentistry in the state legislature.”

The IDPAC silent auction and reception are key fundraising opportunities for the IDA’s legislative efforts each year.

Heather Parton, IDA Director of Professional Development and Planning, is the coordinator for the event. She said there is still time to register on-site for the meeting.

“We still have a lot of registrations coming in every day,” Parton said. “It’s exciting to have the meeting back in Indianapolis, and I think everyone will be pleased with the planning and hard work the Council on Annual Session has put into this event,” she added.

Last-minute registration for the IDA Annual Session must now be completed on-site at the IDA Registration Desk on the third floor of the Hyatt Regency Indianapolis, starting Thursday, June 7, at 7 a.m. Individuals planning to attend can visit INDental.org/Register for the latest discounted hotel opportunities.

For additional meeting information contact Heather Parton, IDA Director of Professional Development and Planning, at Heather@INDental.org.

]]>Fri, 11 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Longtime IDA member Dr. Denny Zent is one step closer to being an Indiana State Representative, following a significant victory in the May 8 primary election.

Garnering 5,367 votes district-wide, Dr. Zent defeated Republican opponent Aaron Claudy, who received 1,481 votes. Dr. Zent will face Democrat Lon Keys in the general election in November. Keys received 641 total votes in the primary.

If elected Dr. Zent may be the first dentist ever elected to the Indiana General Assembly. After final vote counts were released, a statement from the Zent campaign expressed gratitude for support from the dental community:

We are grateful for the overwhelming amount of support we received from the voters in Steuben and LaGrange counties. We will proudly represent them, as well as our dental community, in the next session of the Indiana House of Representatives. Only with the support of our dental friends and family were we able to accomplish this victory that gives us a voice in the Indiana House, for the future of dentistry and health care issues next Session.

To learn more about how you can support the election of Dr. Denny Zent to the Indiana state legislature, visit his campaign’s website, www.dennyzent.com, for more information on his campaign’s progress.]]>Wed, 09 May 2012 00:00:00 GMTDuring its April meeting last Friday, the Indiana State Board of Dentistry (ISBD) released a position statement on the use of Botox and other dermal fillers.

The new ISBD position, while not enforceable by any existing state rule or statute, offers some clarification to increasing concerns among the dental community about the use of Botox and dermal fillers:

The Indiana Dental Practice Act does not prohibit the use of Botox and other dermal fillers administered by a dentist licensed in the state of Indiana. Dentists are limited to using these materials in the oral and maxillofacial area within the scope of dentistry. Dentists are further limited based by the specific education and training received for providing these services.

The American Dental Association’s Scope of Practice Statement supports a dentist’s administering “any procedure” for which they are qualified by “education, training and experience, and consistent with the laws of the state in which they are practicing.”

Neither the American Dental Association nor the Indiana Dental Association, however, has taken a specific position on Botox or dermal fillers.

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]]>Wed, 18 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMTDr. Robert Stetzel, 84, passed away March 22, 2012. Dr. Stetzel practiced dentistry in Fort Wayne for over 50 years, retiring in 2002. He was Past President of the Indiana Dental Association as well as the Isaac Knapp District Dental Society, and was integral to IDPAC efforts for many years.

He was a founding charter member of the Isaac Knapp Foundation for Education, and was additionally respected as a member of numerous national and international dental organizations. Dr. Stetzel will always be one of the Indiana Dental Association's "great modern statesmen."

He served the community as Past President of the Anthony Wayne Rotary Club, and was also a member of the Optimist Club. Dr. Stetzel was a retired Commander in the United States Navy and a Veteran of the Korean War. He was an avid Indiana University fan, loved playing tennis with his wife, golfing, flying his plane, and most of all spending time with his family.

]]>Tue, 10 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Karen M. Yoder, PhD, MSD, who serves as Director of Civic Engagement and Oral Health Policy at Indiana University School of Dentistry and is a member of the IDA Council on Dental Public Health, received a prestigious 2012 IUPUI Alumni Leadership Award during a ceremony in late February.

The Maynard K. Hine Medals honor the memory of IUPUI’s first chancellor, who was also longtime dean of the Indiana University School of Dentistry.

Dr. Yoder’s contributions to the school and the community are significant. In less than a decade, Dr. Yoder has grown IUSD’s local community outreach efforts to provide global reach to underserved populations.

In 2003 she collaborated with the Indiana State Department of Health and the Indiana Dental Association to launch the SEAL Indiana mobile dental program, which to date has served more than 23,000 Hoosier children statewide while helping dental students realize there’s a wider role they can play.

Dr. Yoder has made important contributions to AMPATH, the organization representing Moi University and Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Kenya and other North American academic health centers led by IU working in partnership with the Government of Kenya. The IDA Foundation for Dental Health helps sponsor IUSD’s collaborative efforts with Moi University.

She has helped inspire the creation of many other projects that connect IUSD to the greater community on an ongoing basis, such as the Shelter Sealant Program for homeless persons; screenings and mouth guard fabrication for athletes in Indiana’s Special Olympics; IUSD’s student-managed partnership with the HealthNet People’s Health and Dental Clinic in which dental students volunteer their Saturdays to see patients in need for free; the Oral Health Policy Forum that engages students in discussions about policymaking and introduces them to legislators and the Indiana statehouse; and student volunteer service at a northern Indiana clinic primarily serving the Amish community.

In her new role as Director of Civic Engagement and Oral Health Policy, Dr. Yoder works to further raise IUSD’s profile and impact, aligning the dental school’s civic engagement program with IUPUI’s RISE initiative, which focuses on increasing student participation in research, international, service, and experiential learning programs.

]]>Thu, 22 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMTThe IDA’s 2012 legislative agenda, embodied in what was named “The Fair Dental Care Act” (Senate Bill 303), faced significant opposition from the health insurance community, organized labor, business interests, the State, as well as the Indiana State Chamber of Commerce.

The bill contained language that would have better coordinated patients’ dental benefits and banned dental insurance companies for setting fees for treatments not covered in their policies. The bill also contained assignment of benefit (AOB) language with dental-only parameters.

Early in the legislative session, the Senate Health Committee removed all coordination of benefit language, as well as the dental-only AOB provisions, leaving language regarding non-covered services. The pared-down version of the bill then passed the Senate 48-2. The measure was assigned to the House Insurance Committee and received a hearing. The bill was tabled, and efforts to include the language in conference committees were unsuccessful.

“Our thanks go out to Sen. Vaneta Becker (R-Evansville) and retiring Sen. Beverly Gard (R-Greenfield), who authored SB 303,” said Ed Popcheff, IDA Director of Governmental Affairs. “We also are grateful for Rep. Suzanne Crouch (R-Evansville) who served as the House sponsor.

Right to Work and the Super Bowl

The issue eclipsing all others this legislative session was Gov. Mitch Daniels’ and the House and Senate Republicans’ successful effort to make Indiana a right-to-work state. The issue dominated the first half of the legislative session, as labor unions occupied the Statehouse and House Democrats staged walk-outs. Despite well-organized opposition, Speaker Brian Bosma (R-Indianapolis) made good on his promise to have the issue resolved by the Super Bowl in early February.

Small victories

The Super Bowl effectively delayed this year’s legislative process, but the Indiana General Assembly still managed to pass a statewide smoking ban. Advocates ultimately accepted a high number of exemptions for bars, casinos, and privates clubs, but still banned smoking at charitable gaming events. The General Assembly, out of time to hold out on passing the numerous exemptions, took the cue from Gov. Daniels who said he would sign any smoking ban that made it to his desk; the Senate passed the bill 28-22, and the House passed it 60-33. The issue will likely return next year, as advocates and supporters of smoke-free laws work to eliminate current expemptions.

The IDA was successful in opposing efforts of the Indiana Attorney General’s Office to increase data mining of medicaid claims history in an effort to expand the AG’s existing authority to mine older records for fraudulent claims. The health care lobbying community supported current fraud and abuse protections mandated by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), but were uncomfortable expanding the current AG’s investigative jurisdiction.

For more information on how you can help the IDA work toward next year’s legislative session, please contact IDA Director of Governmental Affairs Ed Popcheff at Ed@INDental.org.

]]>Thu, 22 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMTBy WILLIAM B. RISK, DDS

IDPAC Chair

A little over a year ago Allcare Dental was closed nationwide on New Year’s Day. Their dentists and auxiliaries were notified the day before that the doors would be locked, and the business was closed forever.

This left many unanswered questions, especially including, What about malpractice liability? Who or what is protecting the practitioner, and what recourse is left for the dental consumer?

This closure caused the patients to be abandoned. All treatment in progress was stopped. Suddenly temporary restorations became more permanent. Patients with post-operative complications were forced to seek treatment at other locations.

This corporation tended not to provide professional services without upfront payment. Consequently, many patients paid for services that they never received. The Indiana Attorney General’s Office received over a thousand complaints, many of them made in the name of a specific dentist who had provided treatment or had the title of clinical director (but they had been abandoned also).

In Indiana dentists are required to have a license to practice dentistry. Dental corporations are not licensed. Essentially there is no oversight of dental corporations, how they manage the dental practice, or how they directly affect the dental care received by the patient.

In Indiana pharmacists are licensed, but pharmacies must also have a license. Pharmacy chains, such as Walgreen’s or CVS, must also have their own licenses. In the license application for each pharmacy location, a licensed pharmacist must be named, and a pharmacist can only be named for one location. This individual is responsible for all of the pharmaceutical activities at that location.

Tip O’Neill used to wisely say, “All politics is local.” That is also true in the drugstore world. Each location is individually responsible for how it is operated and who is in charge of the operation. Because of this, there is a certain standard of care that can be maintained for the consumer.

So shouldn’t dental chains be licensed? Each dental office in the chain would be required to have a dentist with an Indiana license named for that location. Similar to pharmacy, a licensed dentist could only be named for one location. This would provide local responsibility.

The question might be raised about individuals who have multiple sites for their practice. What if they are incorporated? A distinction could be made between a professional corporation or entity and a management corporation.

A management corporation would not be allowed to own patient records or make any type of policy that would directly affect the direct professional clinical diagnosis or treatment of the patient. This responsibility would fall directly to the named Indiana licensed dentist at that location.

It is time for dentistry to once again step forward on behalf of dental patients and ensure that the treatment they receive is up to the standard of care as determined by the Indiana State Board of Dentistry. There must be a local individual responsible, because when something goes wrong—and this will happen from time to time—the patient and the dentist need to be protected. Unlicensed out-of-state entities should not be making dental decisions for the citizens of Indiana that require professional skill and judgement.

]]>Thu, 22 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMTProfessional services, including dentistry services, are currently exempt from Indiana sales tax. The sales of dental prosthetic devices are also specifically exempted from sales tax.

However, if you sell retail items such as toothbrushes or whiting gel to your patients you need to collect and remit sales tax. You are required to register as a retail merchant by submitting a Business Tax Application (BT-1), on the Indiana Department of Revenue’s website.

Your practice may also be liable for use tax on purchases. Use tax is a substitute for sales tax. Every purchase of tangible personal property is subject to sales or use tax unless it is specifically excluded. If Indiana sales tax is not collected by your vendor, then it is your responsibility to calculate and remit this to the state. Common triggers of use tax are purchases made over the internet and from out of state vendors.

Sales and use tax applies to:

All office furniture, equipment & supplies

Drugs not requiring a prescription, and used on the patient

Instruments & equipment

Supplies consumed in professional use, and

X-ray, diagnostic equipment used in the practice of dentistry

For practices registered as a retail merchant, both sales and use tax are remitted either on Form ST-103 or on-line through INtax. If you are not registered, use tax may be submitted with your annual income tax return.

All Indiana practices are subject to these requirements. As a registered business the state has the authority to audit your compliance. Penalties and interest can be assessed if the proper taxes are not remitted.

]]>Thu, 22 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMTDr. Denny Zent, an IDA member running to be the Indiana House District 51 Republican candidate, has some company in his bid.

Dr. Zent will face Mr. Aaron Claudy, from Salem Center, Ind. Mr. Claudy is a parts manager for a General Motors dealership in Kendallville who filed last-minute for the race.

The Zent campaign does not think Mr. Claudy’s candidacy will pose any threat to Zent’s long-standing organization and wide range of support across Indiana as well as the country.

Due in part to contributions from IDPAC and the broader dental community, Dr. Zent hit the airwaves in northeastern Indiana in mid-March, roughly seven weeks prior to the May 8 primary.

“Denny is focusing on his district and making all the right moves to ensure a primary victory,” stated Ed Popcheff, IDA Director of Governmental Affairs.

Dr. Zent’s only potential Democratic opposition is Lon Keyes, who is running unopposed in the primary.

To learn more about how you can support the election of Dr. Denny Zent to the Indiana state legislature, visit his campaign’s website, www.dennyzent.com, for more information on his campaign’s progress.

]]>Thu, 22 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMTEvery current dental and dental hygiene license in Indiana should have been renewed by midnight on March 1, 2012. It was a fairly smooth renewal process overall for the Indiana State Board of Dentistry, as well as the 3,990 dental and 4,828 dental hygiene relicensure submissions. Now comes the all-new part of the renewal process, license audits.

When you renewed your dental license you were asked if you had fulfilled your continuing education requirements. This was in the form of a simple question, and no proof was needed at that time.

If you get chosen randomly for the license audit, however, you will need to provide proof of your continuing education credits. The Indiana State Board of Dentistry will randomly audit 9.99% of the licenses issued, which roughly translates into 398 dentists and 482 dental hygienists. Email notifications for the license audits are scheduled to go out no later than June 1, 2012. If you don’t have an email address on file with the Board, you will be notified by mail.

The audit will be relatively painless if your continuing education credits are in order. It is just a matter of copying your CE certificates and providing a copy to the Indiana State Board of Dentistry by mail (no fax or email responses will be accepted). The Indiana State Board of Dentistry will notify you upon receipt of your certificates.

The Board will take 6-8 weeks to review your certificates and will then notify you of compliance or noncompliance.

Each CE certificate should include the name of the program, date of the continuing education and number of hours awarded. You should also doublecheck that you have the 20 required hours for dentists, or 14 for hygienists—all of them having occurred during the March 2, 2010-March 1, 2012, licensure period.

No more than five hours of continuing education can be counted in the area of practice management. Proof of two hours of Indiana Ethics, Jurisprudence, and Professional Responsibility is required, as well.

Any noncompliant continuing education records discovered in the audit process will be fined based on the number of hours out of compliance: a dentist could face maximum fines of $1,000, or $375 for hygienists.

If you have specific questions about CE audits, please call the Indiana State Board of Dentistry at 317.234.2054 or the IDA Central Office at 800.562.5646.

]]>Thu, 22 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMTIn the spring issue of the IDA Journal, members will find a convenient new tool for tracking CE credits and storing course completion certificates for the new Indiana licensure renewal cycle.

On the front side of the folder, members will find all relicensure requirements for both dentists and hygienists, with space to record completed credits. On the back side of the folder, members can reference a list of important contacts and CE opportunities.

Be sure to bring your CE folder to the 2012 IDA Annual Session!

Additional folders are available to hygienists and non-members for $5 per folder. Contact Will Sears, IDA Director of Communications, for purchasing information at 800.562.5646 or Will@INDental.org.

IDA continuing education folders will also be available for sale at the 2012 IDA Annual Session at the registration desk (located on the third floor of the Hyatt Regency Indianapolis, during the meeting).

If you have specific questions about continuing education changes for the 2012-2014 licensure cycle, please call the Indiana State Board of Dentistry at 317.234.2054 or the IDA Central Office at 800.562.5646.

According to the commission’s website, “ICW created the concept of the Torchbearer Awards to honor the many Hoosier women who have overcome or removed barriers to equality or to whose achievements have contributed to making [Indiana] a better place in which to live, work, and raise a family.

“Recipients are women who have been pioneers in their industries, have inspirational stories that set the standard for other women, have faced tough choices, demonstrated character, and have made significant contributions to their communities and/or to the State of Indiana.”

Dr. Buyer, nominated for the award by Dr. Jill Burns, currently serves as the chairman of the IDA’s Drinks Destroy Teeth campaign, as well as chairman of the Indiana Oral Health Coalition. She has previously served on a number of IDA councils and committees, and as the editor of the IDA Journal.

]]>Thu, 22 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMTThe IDA Foundation for Dental Health will continue its partnership with Moi University School of Dentistry for the fall 2012 academic year. Members of the Foundation voted to pledge $8,000 toward bringing two more Kenyan students from Moi University to the Indiana University School of Dentistry later this year.

Last fall IUSD welcomed Ms. Celestine Gitonga and Ms. Evalyne Syombua as its first dental exchange students from Kenya. The two students attended classes, volunteered with the Seal Indiana program, worked in the school’s laboratories, observed in the school’s clinics as well as a private practice, and participated in a variety of other activities with Indiana dental and medical students.

“The Kenyan students’ five weeks in Indiana created an intercultural and interprofessional learning opportunity for both the Kenyan and Indiana students that cannot be duplicated in a classroom,” said Ed Rosenbaum, IDA Director of Professional Services and IDA staff liaison to the Foundation.

]]>Thu, 22 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMTAs part of the IDA’s ongoing efforts to enhance communication with members and the general public, a new mobile version of the IDA website is now available online.

The mobile website presents a simpler format, allowing users to find essential links more easily while looking at a smaller screen. The new version of the website also loads more quickly on cell phones, enabling faster navigation for users.

Council on Communication Chair Dr. Lorraine Celis said the mobile website will make using the website more accessible to members.

“An increasing number of our members, as well as society in general, are using their mobile devices to access online content,” Dr. Celis said. “The IDA must strive to stay in stride with member preferences to make sure members are able to access all of their member benefits easily.”

The mobile version includes the “Find a Dentist” directory for the public, latest news updates, the full membership directory (for members only), and upcoming events.

“We hope members will take advantage of this new way of using the website,” said Dr. Celis. “Of course we always invite members to share ways we can make both versions of the website better.

The initial development of the full version of the site came at the direction of the 2010 IDA House of Delegates, with a priority on creating an online membership directory.

]]>Thu, 01 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Senate Bill 303, a measure that started out as the Fair Dental Care Act and was pared down to a non-covered services fee-setting ban, has been tabled by the Indiana House Insurance Committee.

IDA staff will be looking for opportunities to include the language in other vehicles during the conference committee process. Senate Bill 303, as it was introduced and passed in the Indiana Senate, will not be considered during the 2012 legislative session. The Indiana General Assembly is scheduled to adjourn March 9.

]]>Thu, 01 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMTEven-numbered years means it is time for license renewal for every dentist and hygienist in the state of Indiana. The process is straightforward, but it is important for dental professionals to know what is expected ahead of time.

Below is a checklist of everything you need to know to ensure your license and continuing education requirements are in -line for the renewal period:

> Did you receive your online renewal notice? Most dentists and hygienists received an email notice of the March 1 deadline. Notifications are no longer automatically mailed. If you have not received your notice, contact the ISBD as soon as possible (links at INDental.org/Licensure).

> Do you have continuing education certificates for courses you’ve taken to earn your required credits? Dentists must have 20 hours, and hygienists must have 14 hours. It’s important to note that the Board will be auditing 10% of licensees’ CE records this year.

> Are you counting no more than five hours of practice management continuing education toward your renewal? Neither dentists nor hygienists may count more than five practice management CE hours toward the requirement.

> Do you have the required amount of clinical CE credit hours? At least 15 hours are required for dentists, and nine hours for hygienists.

> Do you have two required CE hours for Indiana-specific Ethics, Jurisprudence and Professional Responsibility? If not, this requirement can be fulfilled conveniently through our self-study ethics issue of the Journal Indiana Dental Association, or through our last-minute ethics courses. Visit INDental.org/Ethics for more information.

> Are all of your CE hours appropriately credentialed? The Board recognizes CE hours that are certified by ADA CERP, AGD PACE, the Indiana University School of Dentistry, the Indiana Dental Association, a local dental society of the IDA or a Board-approved study club. Be sure your CE counts toward licensure renewal.

> Is your dental study club approved by the Board? Has your study club renewed its approval? All Indiana study clubs are required to renew each renewal cycle (see INDental.org/Licensure).

> Have you renewed with the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (see INDental.org/Licensure)? Online renewal is an easy process.

> Did you know, for future licensing renewals, half of your continuing education will need to be live? Make note of this change as you begin accruing credit hours toward your 2014 licensure renewal.

If you have specific questions about your license renewal you can call the Indiana State Board of Dentistry at 317.234.2054 or the IDA central office at 800.562.5646.

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]]>Mon, 30 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMTThe majority of Indiana Dental Association members prefer print over digital communications, results from a recent survey conducted by the IDA Council on Communications show.

More than 900 members responded to the Council’s 15-question survey, representing over 31 percent of the IDA membership. The survey came at the direction of a resolution from the 2011 House of Delegates, which tasked the Council to determine whether members are receptive to transitioning IDA print publications to an online format.

“We believe we received wise direction from the House to do a survey, because some of the results are surprising,” said Dr. Lorraine Celis, chair of the Council on Communications.

The findings, just released by the Council on Communications, show that a large majority of respondents said their primary source for all news is television. Twenty-four percent opted for newspapers or magazines. When asked how they prefer to receive IDA-specific news, Indiana members said they are more likely to read it in print.

More than half of the respondents said they would be less likely to read either the Indiana Dentist newsletter or Journal Indiana Dental Association online.

The Council also asked in the survey whether members have utilized the new IDA website for accessing IDA news. Only 53 percent of members have visited the website, with the majority of them visiting 1-5 times. Twenty-two percent of respondents said they were unaware of the new website The Association’s revamped online presence launched in June 2011.

“We have to keep working hard to promote the capabilities of the new website,” Dr. Celis said, “and we have to continue to make the website offer added value to IDA membership so more members will utilize it.”

The Council also chose to include survey questions to address growing financial concerns about producing printed member publications. Over the last several years, the Council reported a rise in printing and postage costs, as well as a decline in advertising revenues.

According to the survey results, members are not willing to pay more to help offset the increasing costs. More than 69 perent of respondents said they do not want to pay any additional fees to receive publications in print.

The Council on Communications distributed a separate survey to all students at the Indiana University School of Dentistry. Seventy-nine students (nearly 20 percent) responded to the survey.

Unlike their future colleagues, the students prefer online newsletters or websites over television or printed periodicals as their primary source for news.

When asked if they would opt for a free digital version of a dental textbook over a costly print version, 87 percent chose digital. In a related question, 43 percent of students said they would be more likely to read an online version of scientific journals than a printed version (21.5%). Thirty-five percent had no preference.

Also in contrast to IDA members, 92 percent of students said the new website contains information helpful to them as a dentist; only 78 percent of members concur.

Students’ opinions aligned with IDA members on other preferences, however, as neither group is willing to pay an extra fee to offset increasing costs of producing print publications. Both groups also said they only read articles that appeal to their individual interests.

“We know that communications in every area of life are in transition,” said Dr. Celis, “and young dentists are going to have different preferences than dentists at the end of their careers. Our job is to make sure the IDA is able to communicate effectively with all groups, but also to be efficient with our finances as well.”

Council on Communications prepares resolution for 2012 IDA House of Delegates

The IDA House resolution also tasked the Council with researching the communication approaches of other state dental associations, and then to make a recommendation for how to move forward with transitioning publications from a print to digital format. The Council heard from more than 20 state dental associations, and found that Indiana has more modernized communications program than most other states.

“We know our active members prefer print, and we want to maintain print communications for them,” said Dr. Celis, “but the Council unanimously agreed that we have to address the financial challenges of print production.”

Dr. Celis presented the Council’s recommendation to the IDA Board of Trustees Jan. 14, as follows:

Continue production of the Journal Indiana Dental Association as a print publication for all members. In addition, publish the Journal online for those who prefer it electronically.

Discontinue the Indiana Dentist newsletter, effective January 2013, but continue to produce the same volume of content exclusively for placement on the website.

Change the monthly IDA Update e-newsletter to a bi-weekly e-newsletter, helping members to stay aware of IDA news in a timely manner.

“If any member feels we are going in the wrong direction with this recommendation, I would ask that they please get in touch with us,” Dr. Celis said. “There is plenty of time before this year’s House to refine our recommendation.”

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]]>Mon, 30 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMTOn Jan. 3, 2012, the American Dental Association was alerted that many dentists across the country had received a fraudulent membership renewal communication via fax to their dental offices indicating payment should be sent to a post office (P.O.) box in Brockton, Mass. This prompted the ADA and IDA to distribute alerts that afternoon about the fraudulent invoices to members, leadership and staff at state and local dental societies, recognized specialty organizations and other organizations and individuals within the dental community.

The ADA has continued to work closely with U.S. Postal Service authorities. The following is a brief summary of action that has been taken to protect members:

On Jan. 5, within 48 hours of learning about this issue, the ADA filed a civil action in the Boston federal court that issued a temporary restraining order requiring that any mail sent to the P.O. box listed in the fraudulent invoices should be held by the U.S. Postal Service and not made available to the individual renting the P.O. Box.

On Jan. 17, the temporary restraining order was converted into a preliminary injunction, aallowing the ADA to release information regarding legal efforts on behalf of members.

At the time of this writing, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service is considering instituting an investigation, and has also referred the matter to the U.S. Attorney’s office in Boston for possible criminal prosecution.

ADA Executive Director Dr. Kathleen O’Loughlin stated, “We are pleased with the immediate action of our legal team and the efforts of staff to get the word out quickly to dentists throughout the country. We also recognize the actions of constituent and component societies who acted swiftly to post alerts on their websites and help with the communications efforts.”

If you received the fraudulent fax communication, do not send a payment. If you still have a copy of what you believe may be a fraudulent invoice, please forward it to Tom Elliott, deputy chief legal counsel, by email at elliottt@ada.org or by fax to 312.440.2562, along with your name and ADA membership number.

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INDIANAPOLIS — Dr. Lloyd J. Phillips, a past IDA President from 1979 to 1980, died Jan. 15. He was 89.

Dr. Lloyd J. Phillips

Dr. Phillips, who was born in 1922 in Lykens, Pa., earned an electrical engineering degree from Bliss Electrical School and a bachelor’s degree from George Washington University. He earned his dental degree from Indiana University in 1954.

He was a member of the U.S. Naval Reserve Corps from 1942-55, and he served active duty during World War II.

His contributions to dentistry spanned many decades and included participatory and leadership roles at the local, state, national and international levels. He was very active in both the Indiana Dental Association and the ADA for many years.

“He will be missed,” said Doug Bush, executive director of the Indiana Dental Association. “He was a leader in dentistry and was recognized for both his love for the profession and for the distinguished way that he performed his duties. He was a true gentleman and an example for many young dentists.”

In the IDA, he was a past president (1979-80) and a past secretary. He also served on several committees and councils.

In the ADA, prior to serving as a member of the Board of Trustees, he was a delegate to the House of Delegates, a member of the House reference committee on dental research and therapeutics in 1969 and chairman of the committee on miscellaneous business in 1970.

He also was past president of both the American Fund for Dental Health and the International College of Dentists. Additionally, Dr. Phillips was an avid fundraiser for his alma mater, playing a leading role in an IDA endowment to the Indiana University Foundation to fund a Distinguished IU Dental Professor in restorative dentistry and dental materials.

Members and patients will testify on behalf of the IDA at the hearing, which also coincides with Dental Day at the Capitol, the IDA's annual legislative gathering of members at the Statehouse.

What is in the Fair Dental Care Act?

The bill contains three concepts: a dental only assignment of benefit law, a ban against dental insurance companies setting fees for non-covered services and coordination of benefit language that ensures that patients who pay for two insurance products can use those benefits.

Who is supporting the Fair Dental Care Act?

We are on our own with this issue. It is a bill we are fighting for to instill fairness in coverage and payment under dental insurance plans

Who is against the Fair Dental Care Act?

America’s Health Insurance Plans

Delta Dental

United Health Care

The Indiana State Chamber of Commerce

Based on years passed with Assignment of Benefit and Non-Covered Services we face opposition from:

Labor Unions Generally, Specifically opposed by the AFL-CIO and the UAW.

What Can I Do?

The IDA urges all members and other Indiana dental advocates to take the following steps to help support Senate Bill 303:

Sign up for IDA Legislative Alerts (click here) so the IDA can prompt you to let you know when your voice is needed. You'll also receive in-the-moment updates from the Statehouse regarding progress of the Fair Dental Care Act.

If you recently received a membership renewal communication by fax, take a closer look.

A number of member and nonmember dentists have contacted the ADA regarding the faxes, prompting the Association to distribute the following alert:

“The ADA does not use fax communications to collect membership dues. The ADA does not sell, rent of publish in any way the fax numbers of current or former members dentists in our database.”

In addition, “If your office is in receipt of a fax as described above, do not respond or send any payment to the P.O. box listed.”

The fax appears to be a standard invoice that asks the recipient to send a $575 payment to the American Dental Association/ADA Association, Membership Processing Dept., P.O. Box 1403, Brockton, MA 02303-1483.

The ADA has contacted the appropriate authorities regarding the fraud, and on Jan. 3 alerted constituent and component societies; member and nonmembers dentists with an email address in the database; recognized specialty organizations; the Academy of General Dentistry; the National Dental Association; the Hispanic Dental Association and the Society of American Indian Dentists.

“Getting the word out and taking steps to protect our members have been our top priorities,” said ADA Executive Director Kathleen O’Loughlin, adding that there was no breach of ADA information or member data. “We’ll continue to update members as we learn more, too.”

Dentists are urged to share this information with the staff on their dental team and contact the ADA Member Service Center at the toll-free number with questions or concerns.

]]>Mon, 09 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMTHe blew into the treatment room like a Kansas twister. And in a way, Harold “Army” Armstrong, DDS, was indeed a force of nature. Certainly no receptionist or dental assistant could safeguard an unsuspecting dentist from an unannounced Army invasion.

“Since you’re just starting, I’ll put you down for only one. You can pay me $10 when I come to deliver,” Army croaked. (He had a deep voice that only a pack of Marlboro unfiltered cigarettes could produce.)

I responded weakly, “okay,” wondering what Army had just sold me. Off he went, and a few seconds later I heard that deep, bullfrog-like voice down the hall say to my partner, “Bob, I’ll order your usual five.”

Later, Bob Lindborg told me that every year at Christmas Army visited South Bend dentists and sold fruitcakes for his church’s fundraiser. I admitted to Bob that I hated fruitcakes. Bob smiled and said he did, too. I laughed, asking, “Why five?”

“Army and I have an agreement. I pay for five but only have to take one,” Bob said.

Army was the dean of South Bend dentists. He had been the President of the North Central Dental Society way back in 1954 and had remained a fixture at our continuing education meetings, golf tournaments and social events. Army always had a kind word, corny joke or practical piece of advice for any new member. Army’s chief function when I arrived as a new dentist was to welcome newcomers to the profession and sell those fruitcakes.

Upon reflection, the most remarkable thing about Army’s kindness was how common that attitude was in those days. Mickey Molenda, John Szakaly, Tom Tanner, Gene Kuzmic and many, many established dentists reached out with a welcoming comment, word of encouragement or helpful suggestion. I remember Larry Beachy from Goshen, Daniel Berger from Jasper, Gib Eberhart from Mishawaka and Chuck Hassel from Bremen as particularity kind.

Before this missive becomes wallowed down in nostalgia, let’s ask ourselves, “Are those days over? Have we lost the collegiality that marked dentistry as a welcoming and nurturing profession?”

Dr. Marc Smith, an IDA member and chairman of the International College of Dentists Subcommittee on mentoring, has a definite opinion about the viability of mentoring today. Dr. Smith has been working with the Indiana University School of Dentistry faculty to establish a student mentoring program called “Great Expectations.”

Dr. Smith’s professional growth had been nurtured by mentors. He said that, in dental school, an upperclassman was very helpful in telling him how to study and how to approach some of the course work. But, Dr. Smith said the upperclassman mostly encouraged him and assured him that he would do okay. Later in the Army, he said he had several mentors among the professional staff of the hospitals where he was assigned.

Dr. Smith sees mentoring as an effective means to pass on professionalism to new members and assure the future of dentistry.

“Professional behavior, in and out of the office, elevates us in the public’s eyes,” said Dr. Smith. “When we appear to the public to be commercial and self-serving, we invite the public to make commercial comparisons…When this happens the public and their politicians may begin to believe that alternative avenues for health care are in their best interest.”

David Chambers, PhD., a professor of dental education and former associate dean of academics affairs and scholarship at the University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, stated clearly and succinctly the important role of a mentor: “There will always be a handful who bad-mouth the coming generations as being undertrained and improperly respectful of traditional values. These are the ones who will fight their younger colleagues for the future of the profession – and the smart money is always on the youth. There are also dentists who encourage, work with, guide, nurture, reveal secrets to, earn the privilege of scolding, and want to see the success of their junior colleagues…The older practitioner may not know all the newest materials or pharmacology, but they can teach a level of quality that is far above the standard of care. They want the new guy or gal in town to succeed because he or she will thus blend the best of the emerging discipline with the deep traditions of professionalism that cannot be learned from a few years in dental school or a CE course. These dentists who touch the future are called mentors.”1

The future of any profession rests in the next generation. Invest in the future of dentistry by inviting the new dentist in town to lunch and offer your support. Army and his generation were there for many of us, and now it is our turn. But, maybe, leave the fruitcakes at home.

1. Mentoring, David W. Chambers, Journal of the American College of Dentists, Volume 73, Number 2

]]>Thu, 15 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMTDr. Martin Szakaly, Immediate Past President of the Indiana Dental Association, held a fundraiser for state legislature candidate and IDA member Dr. Denny Zent in South Bend.

The November gathering of dentists from the North Central Dental Society raised more than $10,000 for Dr. Zent, who is running for House District 51 seat recently vacated by Rep. Dick Dodge (R-Ind.).

“We hope that the fact we raised more than $10,000 for Dr. Zent’s campaign will serve as a challenge to other components to raise even more money,” Dr. Szakaly said. “It is critical that all IDA members work together to elect a fellow dentist to the legislature to inform policies that affect our profession.”

In addition to the fundraiser at Dr. Szakaly’s home, other efforts on Dr. Zent’s behalf include fundraisers in the Eastern Indiana, East Central and Wabash Valley Dental Societies. IDA President Dr. Terry Schechner is also leading a drive for funds from the dental community.

Dr. Zent believes the level of support from dentists in Indiana and around the country has increased his chances considerably.

“If it weren’t for the dentists in Indiana who have helped support my campaign, I would be in a far less promising position,” said Dr. Zent. “There are many colleagues who have expressed serious interest in having a fellow dentist in the legislature. I believe this would be a huge win for the Indiana Dental Association and dentistry.”

Dr. Zent’s goal is to reach $40,000 by Jan. 2012, which is the first reporting deadline for fundraising from all campaigns. He is currently unopposed.

“No one else has announced,” said Dr. Zent. “If we show strong fundraising numbers and broad support by early January, we think there is a good chance others will be more reluctant to enter the race.”

Some legislators from around the state look forward to having a dentist in the legislature, according to Dr. Zent.

“Legislators have said to me that they think it would be a huge asset to have someone in the legislature who comes from a health care community that works,” he said.

Dr. Zent has formed a campaign committee and is currently accepting contributions. Please send any contributions to the “Committee to Elect Denny Zent,” 3030 N. Bay View Rd., Angola, Ind., 46703.

]]>Wed, 14 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMTThe Indiana Dental Association recently had the opportunity to ask U.S. Sen. Dan Coats (R-Ind.) six key advocacy questions currently on the minds of IDA members. In the interview Sen. Coats outlined how current state and national legislation impacts the dental profession.

IDA: What is the biggest challenge that Congress is facing this session?

Sen. Coates: The challenge Congress and the White House face today is two-fold: (1) We need to get Americans working again, and (2) we need to get our fiscal house in order. Both of these goals are interdependent, and both have a major impact on every sector of our economy, including health care.

IDA:How is the budget deficit impacting health policy in the US and how does Congress intend to address it?

Sen. Coates: Until we put our fiscal house in order, all sectors of our economy, including the health care industry, are at risk. Over the last few months, a “Super Committee” of 12 individuals was tasked with identifying $1.5 trillion of deficit reductions by the end of November. As we all now know, this body failed to unite behind a bipartisan plan to cut spending.

As a result, the Budget Control Act will now activate a “trigger” mechanism that automatically enacts spending cuts across a large portion of the federal budget.

Under the trigger rule, an automatic spending cut of $1.2 trillion will begin in 2013. Social Security and Medicaid will be exempt from these cuts. While Medicare benefits will not be directly affected, the trigger will likely impose two-percent cuts to Medicare providers. The trigger will also impose deep cuts in the defense budget, despite our military engagements overseas. Defaulting to this trigger mechanism will cut spending, but will not solve our core fiscal problems.

Sen. Coates: Earlier this year, Congressman Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) introduced a budget proposal that passed the House of Representatives. Included in his budget proposal was a plan to change Medicaid to a block grant program. The Ryan plan would allow states to have greater flexibility to tailor their Medicaid programs to the specific needs of their unique populations.

I believe this is a good first step to begin a much-needed debate on the root causes of our country’s unsustainable debt. Medicaid must be restructured to better preserve benefits for Americans without bankrupting states and deepening our national debt. This proposal not only maintains current benefits but creates a sustainable policy for future generations.

IDA: How will Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) impact the provision of dental services to adults?

Sen. Coates: The President’s health care law increases costs for Hoosier families, reduces choices, burdens job creators and puts America deeper into debt. I support the efforts of Indiana and other states that have filed lawsuits challenging the mandates imposed by the health care law. Congress needs to overturn this law and start over with commonsense solutions that improve access and quality of care without driving up costs.

The Department of Health and Human Services is currently in the process of releasing rules and regulations mandating how PPACA will impact the entire health care system. What we do know is that the health care law increases Medicaid eligibility standards to 133 percent of the federal poverty line, which will increase an already large population of Medicaid patients struggling to find providers. This creates additional pressure on state budgets.

IDA : What are the prospects for Congress dismantling PPACA, and if it does, how will the federal government address the current Medicare and Medicaid systems?

Sen. Coates: The House of Representatives approved legislation to repeal this law on Jan. 19, 2011. Despite my support, a Senate effort to repeal the law failed on Feb. 2, 2011. I also voted in favor of House Concurrent Resolution 35 (H. Con. Res. 35) on April 14, which would prohibit the funding of PPACA. Although the Senate failed to pass either H.R.2 or H. Con. Res. 35, I will continue to support efforts to defund and delay implementation of the law. Should similar legislation to repeal or reform the health care law come before the Senate, I will continue to support a constitutional alternative in the best interests of the patients and the states.

While I support the full repeal of the health care law, it is unlikely that this Congress will be able to pass a repeal bill that the President would sign.

Editor’s note

In addition to this interview, eight IDA members, along with IDA Executive Director Doug Bush, met with Sen. Coats at the 2011 ADA Washington Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C. The IDA is grateful to politicians on both sides of the aisle who help advance the dental profession and improve dental health for citizens.

]]>Mon, 12 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMTThe Indiana State Board of Dentistry requires Indiana-licensed dentists and hygienists to renew their licenses biannually. Indiana study clubs must also renew their standing with the Board of Dentistry during the 2012 licensure renewal cycle.

The IDA would like to remind members of what is required for licensure renewal, as there is still time to obtain the necessary continuing education hours and complete the overall renewal process.

To view a checklist of CE requirements, as well as all pertinent weblinks for the renewal process, please click here.

Please be aware of the following critical deadlines for 2012 Indiana licensure renewal:

March 1, 2012 - The licensure renewal process must be completed on the State Board of Dentistry website. (Visit INDental.org/Licensure for direct links.)

March 1, 2012 - Indiana study clubs must submit applications for approval on the State Board of Dentistry website. (Visit INDental.org/Licensure for direct links.)

]]>Fri, 09 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMTThe Indiana General Assembly held its Organization Day Nov. 22, 2011. Among key discussions were the House and Senate Republicans’ vow to work toward the passage of a “right to work” law, as well as the trend of state revenues continuing to outpace forecasts. Newly elected legislators face new districts for the 2012 election, setting the stage for a session that will likely be long on partisanship and short on meaningful debate.

The short legislative session traditionally is reserved for policies and bills that are of an urgent nature; however, this won’t stop the General Assembly from working on issues that impact organized dentisty. It’s crucial that dentists make their voices heard. The IDA will be in the Statehouse monitoring any discussion that potentially impacts Indiana dentists and patients. Further, the Association will be proactive in advocating for issues approved by IDA leadership. At the time of this writing, it is expected that Sen. Vaneta Becker (R-Evansville) will author our top piece of legislation for 2012, the Fair Dental Care Act.

For that past several years, the IDA has strongly supported Assignment of Benefits (AOB) legislation that would require insurers to honor patients’ requests that insurers pay benefits directly to the dentist who provides their care. The AOB concept garnered support from more than 60,000 patient petition signatures, as well as numerous endorsements from independent newspaper editorial boards. The AOB initiative was vigorously opposed, however, by the State Chamber of Commerce, insurance companies and some labor unions, all claiming that passage would weaken provider networks and drive up insurance costs.

This year the IDA is taking a new approach. Due to concern about the AOB legislation’s affect on health insurance premiums, the Association will be supporting a “dental only” bill that will address dental assignment concerns without impacting other health care providers. The bill will address other insurance abuses that limit patients’ ability to receive all of the insurance claim payments to which they are entitled, and drive up administrative costs for dental offices. The new IDA-supported bill will be known as the Fair Dental Care Act.

Coordination of Benefits (COB) – When a patient is covered by more than one dental insurance policy, insurance companies will be required to coordinate benefits and pay the patient all of the benefits to which they are entitled.

Non-Covered Services – Dental PPOs (preferred provider organizations) will be prohibited from setting fees for dental procedures that are not covered by their policy.

The focus of the bill is fairness. Dental patients should receive all of the benefits to which they are entitled and should be allowed to assign benefits to their dentist in the manner that best meets their needs. Insurance companies should not be allowed to unfairly deny claims payments, or dictate the cost of procedures that they choose not to cover in their policy.

]]>Wed, 07 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMTAllcare Dental Management, Inc., and 14 related companies have filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of New York in Buffalo, New York. A Chapter 7 bankruptcy case is a liquidation. The names of the companies that have filed for bankruptcy appear at the end of this article.

The Allcare companies previously operated dental clinics at multiple locations in thirteen states. Although some of their locations closed earlier, most of the dental chain closed in December, 2010, when the companies were unable to obtain enough new financing or equity investments to continue in business.

The Bankruptcy Court has announced that an “initial meeting of creditors”, also known as a “Section 341 Meeting,” will be held on December 12, 2011, at 1:00 p.m., at the United States Trustee’s Office, Olympic Towers, 300 Pearl Street, 4th Floor, Buffalo, New York 14202. The purpose of this meeting is to permit the Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Trustee to ask Allcare representatives questions about the assets and liabilities of the Allcare companies and the reasons for their bankruptcy filings. Creditors are permitted to attend this meeting and may be permitted to ask questions, but this meeting has nothing to do with the process of filing a claim for payment in these bankruptcy cases.

Since going out of business, the Allcare companies have been liquidating their assets and attempting to collect from former patients and insurance companies amounts which are owed for dental services rendered before the store closings. These collection efforts and asset sales will continue in Chapter 7.

Chief United States Bankruptcy Judge Carl L. Bucki has instructed that no creditors of these companies should file a claim for payment in these bankruptcy cases at this time and no deadline for the filing such claims has been set by the Court. He has directed that if it is determined at some future date that sufficient assets have been collected to permit a distribution to creditors, then notice will be sent to the last known address of each known potential creditor of the Allcare companies, notifying them where and by when they must file any claims.

An Indiana federal judge has ruled on a class action lawsuit that the state must fully cover dental services that are medically necessary for Medicaid participants.

The decision affirms the Indiana Dental Association’s position that a $1,000 cap on Medicaid is a hindrance to Medicaid patients seeking dental care. The IDA testified at multiple rules hearings last year to stress the importance of removing the cap.

As of November 5, 2011, HP, the state reimbursement agent, is informing participating dental offices that the $1,000 cap has been lifted, but that all other service and benefit restrictions remain in place.

The IDA is currently working with the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration to determine what the adult dental Medicaid benefit will be, as well as how the term, “medically necessary,” will be interpreted.

“A bulletin from the Office of Medicaid Policy and Planning announcing the policy change is expected either this week or next,” stated Ed Popcheff, IDA Director of Governmental Affairs.

State fiscal realities remain the same. The IDA is currently studying the policy implications of the case and is viewing it as an opportunity to further refine the state’s dental Medicaid Policy.

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]]>Tue, 15 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMTThe Indiana Dental Association presented awards to Drs. Jack Windsor and Laura Romito at the Indiana University School of Dentistry Teaching Conference at McCormick's Creek State Park on Monday, October 17. Dr. Windsor received the IDA Outstanding Faculty Award, and Dr. Romito received the IDA Outstanding Teacher Award.

The awards recipients, chosen by committees of their peers, received plaques and a monetary award from IDA Executive Director Doug Bush at the annual teaching conference dinner.

“Years ago the decision was made to use a portion of the ‘Pursuit of Excellence’ fund raised by the IDA to honor two IDA faculty members each year," Bush said. "It is one tangible way the profession can say ‘thank you’ to IUSD leaders who work so hard to prepare the next generation of dental professionals.”

ABOUT THE AWARD RECIPIENTS

Dr. Jack Windsor, recipient of the Outstanding Faculty Award for 2011, joined the Indiana University School of Dentistry in 1999 after having served as an Associate Scientist and Research Professor at the University of Alabama. He carries a heavy teaching load and has had multiple students receive various significant awards for their research projects under his mentorship. His overall student evaluations of his teaching are consistently high and he has a solid and impressive record in his effectiveness as a teacher. He has received multiple NIH grants, both as a co-investigator and as a principle investigator and is currently Director of the Tobacco Cessation and Biobehavioral Group. He has been an author or co-author in literally dozens of published articles and research abstracts. He was a 2007 recipient of the IUPUI Glenn Irwin Experience Excellence Recognition Award and has been an Institute Fellow at the American Dental Education Association Leadership Institute. Additionally, he currently serves as president of the IUPUI Faculty Council. According to the Awards Committee, he is a highly active, productive faculty member, who is assuming a strong leadership role in the dental school and on the IUPUI campus.

Dr. Laura Romito, recipient of the Outstanding Teacher Award for 2011, received her Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Dental Surgery degrees from the Ohio State University in 1984 and 1988, respectively. She also completed a general dental practice residency program and Master of Science in health promotion degree. She started her academic career at the Creighton University School of Dentistry and started employment at the Indiana University School of Dentistry in 2005. She has multiple publications to her credit and has received over $500,000 in grants as either the principle investigator or as a co investigator. She has mentored many dental and undergraduate students in the area of public perceptions of dissolvable tobacco products. In addition to this, she has been extremely active in problem based learning activities, particularly as a triple jump examiner and in writing cases. She has been active with her service activities, perhaps most notably in serving as President of the IUSD faculty council and her completion of the American Dental Education Association Leadership Institute program.

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]]>Wed, 19 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMTAs part of the Indiana Dental Association’s rollout of its new website, INDental.org, collaborative online tools are now available to councils, committees, the Board of Trustees, and the House of Delegates.

Managed by IDA staff, the online pages will serve to improve effectiveness in planning meetings, provide a platform for posting minutes and meeting files, and enable interaction about topics in online forums.

“We used the new webpage for our last Council on Communications meeting,” said Dr. Lorraine Celis, chair of the Council on Communications. “There was no need to print hundreds of pages of paper, and everything we discussed was in one place for all of our follow-up conversations.”

IDA staff are trained to use the new webpages for any councils and committees they serve. Members who serve on any council or committee, the Board of Trustees, or the House of Delegates, can view these new tools by logging into the Member Center of the website.

Instructions for using IDA Council & Committee Online Tools

1 - Log into the Member Center. From the front page, click on “Member Login.” You will then be prompted to enter your ADA membership number and last name (first letter capitalized). This will take you to the Member Center, where members have access to pages for any group to which they belong.

2 - Look for the “Councils & Committees” category on the lefthand panel. You should see your councils, committees, or other groups listed below “Councils & Committees.” Click on the group you wish to view.

3 - Explore. While many pages are still being populated, you should be able to see rosters, past minutes, and your group’s forum. The staff member(s) assigned to your group will be in touch regarding how you will use the page for your next meeting.

Need more help? Get to know your new website better. Call us at the IDA Central Office at 800.562.5646, or email Will Sears, Director of Communications, at Will@INDental.org.

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]]>Mon, 17 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMTDr. Dennis Zent, an Isaac Knapp District Dental Society member from Angola, announced he is a Republican candidate for the State Representative seat currently held by Rep. Dick Dodge (R-Ind.). Rep. Dodge recently informed constituents he would not be seeking reelection next year.

The newly formed 51st district includes nearly all of Steuben and LaGrange counties.

“As a dentist I am a small business owner who struggles with the same challenges and concerns all business owners face: over-regulation, high taxes, and constant government intrusion,” Dr. Zent said. “Healthcare professionals nationwide are finally becoming alarmed by the increasing interference of the government at all levels. I believe doctors need to step out of their comfort zone and attempt to find a cure for the sick state of affairs we find in all levels of government.”

Ed Popcheff, IDA Director of Governmental Affairs, urged all IDA members to support Dr. Zent’s candidacy.

“It will be good to have a dentist serving in the Indiana General Assembly,” Popcheff said. “One of the goals of IDPAC and ADPAC is to elect and support dentists who are knowledgeable and supportive of dental issues. Dr. Zent will bring dental knowledge and expertise to the House Republican caucus.”

Dr. Zent, who serves as the co-chair of ADPAC, has formed a campaign committee and is currently accepting contributions. Please send any contributions to the “Committee to Elect Denny Zent,” 3030 N. Bay View Rd., Angola, Ind., 46703.

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]]>Thu, 06 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMTThe Trinity Free Clinic recently opened the doors of its new facilities in Carmel, Ind. Equipped with six operatories, the clinic is capable of seeing more patients and offering a broader spectrum of dental treatments.

Trinity Free Clinic, a faith-based nonprofit organization serving uninsured and underinsured in Hamilton County, saw more than 1,500 patients in 2010. Struggling to keep up with demand for treatment, the clinic sought funding from the Indiana Foundation for Dental Health (IFDH) and other beneficiaries. IFDH granted $7,000 to cover more than half the costs for one operatory in the new clinic. The Indianapolis District Dental Society contributed $5,000 toward an operatory.

Dr. Michael T. Smith, dental director of the clinic and past IDA president, played an instrumental role in advancing the project and securing funding for the new facility. Maggie Charnoski, Executive Director of the Trinity Free Clinic, said the project would not have been completed without Dr. Smith’s support.

“We have said, more than once, that this is the clinic Dr. Smith helped build,” Charnoski said. “This massive project would never have been completed without his leadership.”

Since 2000, the Trinity Free Clinic has served more than 10,000 patients. In 2009, there were over 3,500 patient visits. More than 500 volunteer dental professionals from across the state provide all dental services for patients seen at the clinic.

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Will Sears, Director of Communications
800.562.5646Will@INDental.org]]>Thu, 06 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMTIf your case acceptance isn’t where you’d like it to be, it’s natural to focus on the reasons patients give for delaying or declining care. Did you know, however, dentists and their teams can also create barriers to case acceptance? I have found there are three key barriers that we unknowingly place in front of patients that actually make it harder for them to get the care the need. The good news is that these barriers, once you realize you have them, are easy to remove, providing a smooth path to patient case acceptance.

Barrier #1: Limiting the Possibilities

Patients cannot accept comprehensive dentistry if you don’t diagnose it, recommend it and make it as easy as possible for them to achieve. Many practices, especially over the past two years, have settled for performing minimal care. They fix what’s broken. They heal what hurts. But they rarely provide patients with a vision of what comprehensive dentistry looks like and how it would benefit them, clinically and aesthetically. When you recommend comprehensive dentistry, patients may not immediately schedule this level of care. You will still fix what’s broken and heal what hurts right now. But you will also plant a seed of possibility in patients’ minds. So when it’s the right time for them, they can get the dentistry done.

Barrier #2: Not Making CE and Training a Priority

When a dentist graduates from dental school, they are educated and excited about dentistry and armed with the latest information and newest techniques. Then five, ten or even fifteen busy years go by. They’ve managed to squeeze in some CE credits, but have not taken the time to pursue CE which would enable them to offer patients new technology and treatment. It’s human nature, especially when you have a busy job and life, to settle into what’s familiar and comfortable. But in dentistry, technology is improving at an exponential rate and it takes effort to keep up with clinical advancements. When you don’t take advantage of CE courses, especially hands-on opportunities, you won’t be able to offer patients new procedures and treatment options, which can limit case acceptance. The team also needs to proactively improve their skills, especially verbal communication skills. These investments in yourself and team can create new opportunities and enhance patient satisfaction and loyalty. I encourage you to invest in yourself and your team and choose CE courses that will refresh and renew your passion for dentistry and expand your services to patients.

Barrier #3: Not Understanding How Truly Valuable You Are

I’ve found 75% of case acceptance breaks down during the financial discussion. The way finances are discussed can either encourage the patient to move forward with care, or communicate the team member’s own perception of the cost and value of the dentistry. If you and your team don’t firmly and enthusiastically believe that you provide patients with a valuable service and deserve to be appropriately compensated for your training and skills, your patients won’t believe it either. And if patients do not value you and your talent, they won’t value the dentistry and won’t move forward with care. To break down this barrier to case acceptance you must first recognize and celebrate the positive impact you have on patients’ lives. During the financial discussion, make sure your team understands their role is to present your best care recommendations and communicate to patients both verbally and emotionally an enthusiasm for, and confidence in, those recommendations. Then, they must make it financially easy for patients to move forward with the dentistry. Be consistent in your fees and payment options by making sure the entire team uses a written financial policy that details all payment options available, including a cash courtesy, consumer credit cards and a healthcare credit card such as CareCredit. It can be beneficial to let patients know, even before the clinical examination, that financial options are available. You can place information about your payment options on your website and include it in your new patient welcome packets.

Being a dentist is about giving patients what they need – and what they deserve. To increase case acceptance and break down the three key barriers, we simply give patients a vision of comprehensive care, skillfully offer the best technology and techniques and then appropriately set fees and communicate the value we deliver. Sometimes the patient may not have the time or the money to move forward with care. But, because you have done everything in their best interests, they will be back and in the chair sooner than you think. Kirk Sweigard

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The IU School of Dentistry’s 69th annual Fall Dental Alumni Conference honored six leaders in dentistry and drew hundreds of dental graduates back to their alma mater for a fun-filled weekend that highlighted a new dental school laboratory named in honor of the Indiana Dental Association.

The conference, held Sept. 16-17 on the IUPUI campus, showcased the Indiana Preclinical Laboratory, a suite of laboratories occupying the dental school’s recently renovated lower level.

The IDA lab salutes Indiana’s dental practitioners, whose steadfast support of the project helped make the renovations possible.

In front of an audience that included hundreds of the school’s graduates, Dr. John Williams, Jr., dean of the IU School of Dentistry, led a lab dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony on Saturday evening that included representatives of the IDA, IU dental school, and the school’s alumni board.

Dean Williams recognized the IDA for making the lead gift to the preclinical lab project and for the ongoing generosity of its membership to uplift and support dental education in the Hoosier state.

The dental laboratory now stands among the nation’s finest – it is equipped with world-class instrumentation and technology to give IU’s students of dentistry the most comprehensive and contemporary preclinical education possible.

The IDA Preclinical Laboratory serves as one of the first tangible outcomes of a three-year strategic plan launched by the dental school in March 2010. Included among the plan’s top priorities is the creation of new facilities for dental education, patient care, and research.

The fall conference also turned the spotlight on six individuals who were honored by the IUSD Alumni Association for their outstanding contributions to dentistry.

During a banquet Friday night IUSD Alumni Association President Dr. Kenneth Hyde acknowledged incoming association president Dr. Michael Luarde, Fort Wayne, who presented the 2011 awards to the following individuals:

Martin R. Szakaly, DDS ’78

South Bend, Ind.

Distinguished Alumnus

Dr. Skakaly’s recent presidency of the Indiana Dental Association was the latest step in a career that has always included organized dentistry as a top priority. On his journey to the presidency of the state organization, this South Bend practitioner faithfully served his local component, the North Central Dental Society; he held each of the society’s officer positions.

He has also served as an IDA trustee and represented the IDA as a delegate to the American Dental Association.

As incoming IDA president last year, Dr. Szakaly embraced effective communications as his most important goal. He appointed an ad hoc committee to study ways in which the IDA could enhance communications on every level for a membership that is composed of both new and long-established dentists having diverse needs. The results are a comprehensive new IDA website designed to appeal to Indiana’s busy dental practitioners as well as members of the public.

Dr. Carl Richard Altenhof

Valparaiso, Ind.

Honorary Alumnus

Working primarily with a group of northwest Indiana dentists as a young graduate of Loyola University’s dental school, Dr. Altenhof was involved in the pioneering phase of a project that ultimately led to the formation in 1975 of the Indiana University Northwest campus’s Dental Hygiene Program. He then devoted more than a decade of service as a part-time instructor on the IUN campus.

This Portage and Merrillville, Ind., practitioner has shown a deep commitment to governmental affairs. He has served since 1982 as a member of the Indiana Dental Association Governmental Affairs Committee, a group he formerly chaired.

He and two associates proposed legislation on behalf of the IDA that would require advertisers in the state to identify individuals and organizations that paid for and received benefits from the advertisement. The bill was signed into law, and the legislation served as a model for the formation of legislation in several other states.

B. Charles Kerkhove, DDS ’62

Greenwood, Ind.

Distinguished Alumnus in Pediatric Dentistry

A diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Kerkhove has pursued all avenues of dentistry – education, private practice, community outreach, and organized dentistry.

After serving briefly on the full-time IU faculty, he complemented his Greenwood practice with a part-time teaching position for another 25 years. He has also touched the lives of IUSD students through the American College of Dentists’ Maynard Hine Scholarship Lecture, co-sponsorship of the White Coat Ceremony, and a seminar series that helped to integrate ethics into the dental curriculum.

A fellow of the American College of Dentists, Dr. Kerkhove was named the 84th national president of this prestigious organization in 2004 – an extraordinary honor bestowed on only two other IU graduates.

Dr. Kerkhove helped establish the Wheeler Mission Ministries dental clinic for homeless persons in Indianapolis, and he has traveled with medical-dental teams to El Salvador, Peru, and Uzbekistan.

Dr. Lawrence I. Goldblatt, MSD ’73

and Judy S. Goldblatt

Distinguished Service Award

Dr. Lawrence Goldblatt was honored and his wife, Judy Goldblatt, memorialized with a special award highlighting the couple’s long and distinguished record of service to the school.

From 1997 to 2010, the Goldblatts – Larry as IU’s dean of dentistry and Judy as IUSD’s first lady – represented the school with a deep sense of pride in and dedication to their mission.

IUSD lost one of its most ardent spokespersons with the passing of Judy Goldblatt earlier this year. She loved engaging people in conversations about the school’s good works, and she thrived on representing IUSD side by side with her husband.

Judy also devoted a substantial amount of time to assisting her fellow citizens. She worked tirelessly, for example, to register underserved voters in Indianapolis’s impoverished neighborhoods.

As dean, Dr. Goldblatt galvanized a community service-learning program that has helped thousands of Hoosiers as well as persons on three continents and has drawn high praise from the university and campus.

IUSD welcomed him back as a full-time professor in 2011, after he completed a sabbatical that he used in part to pursue his work in Kenya through the IU-Moi University collaboration.

Douglas M. Bush

Greenwood, Indiana

Certificate of Appreciation

Douglas Bush was recognized for his far-reaching interest in the welfare of Indiana’s future dentists.

“Doug has done an extraordinary job since he joined the IDA in 1996, shortly before I returned to IUSD as dean,” says Dr. Larry Goldblatt. “During the years that I worked with Doug in our respective leadership roles, he represented organized dentistry in Indiana and nationally in an exemplary fashion, not only in what we traditionally think of as practice issues but also in facilitating the understanding and synergy between the practicing profession and dental education. Under his leadership and our partnership, great strides were made in the practicing profession’s understanding of the subtleties and long-term impact of dental education and, in turn, dental education’s understanding of the impact academic decisions make – not only on the future professional lives of our students but also on their future patients.”

Mr. Bush is a past president of the American Society of Constituent Dental Executives and a founding director of the U.S. National Oral Health Alliance.

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]]>Mon, 26 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMTThe American Dental Association (ADA) awarded Drinks Destroy Teeth, an oral health outreach program for Indiana children, with its prestigious 2011 Golden Apple Award last Friday, Sept. 9. The program is a special initiative of the Indiana Dental Association to educate young people about the harmful effects of sugary and acidic drinks.

Awarded annually, the Golden Apple is the ADA’s highest award to state initiatives to advance oral health.

“Trendy drinks are causing our children to experience decay and loss of tooth enamel unprecedented in modern times,” said Dr. Diane Buyer, chair of the Drinks Destroy Teeth program. “Receiving the Golden Apple award provides a wonderful opportunity to continue promoting this message both locally and nationally through the program.”

This year the Drinks Destroy Teeth program will distribute oral health science kits to all 1,048 public elementary schools in Indiana, which will reach up to 166,000 students. In coming months Dr. Buyer will travel the state to present the program to local dental societies, schools and other groups.

The program currently targets fourth- and fifth-grade students, but is expected to expand to reach a broader demographic in future years.

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]]>Wed, 14 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMTThe advanced technology in the Indiana University School of Dentistry’s new laboratory blurs the line between preclinical and clinical courses in a way that will allow dental students to get a realistic feel for patient care two years before they find themselves sitting across from a real patient in the dental school clinic for the first time.

The completely renovated 39-year-old laboratory, which is actually a series of three laboratories occupying about half of the dental school’s lower level, has been named for the Indiana Dental Association as a salute to Indiana’s dental practitioners, whose generous support helped make the renovations possible. A dedication ceremony for the Indiana Dental Association Preclinical Laboratory will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, September 17, at the dental school on the IUPUI campus, 1121 W. Michigan Street. The event’s host is Dr. John N. Williams Jr., IU’s dean of dentistry.

“When I was researching Indiana as a candidate for IU’s dental deanship, I learned early on that this dental school has benefited from an exceptionally close and longstanding relationship with organized dentistry through its ongoing collaborations with the Indiana Dental Association (IDA),” said Dr. Williams, who was appointed dean in 2010. “For decades the IDA and its membership have helped to uplift and support dental education in Indiana on countless occasions through its Pursuit of Excellence fund. The association took the fund-raising lead during the initial phase of this renovation in 2004, and since then has bolstered the school’s efforts every step of the way. We are extremely pleased to honor the state’s practitioners by naming the new preclinical lab for the IDA.”

The dental laboratory now stands among the nation’s finest – it is equipped with world-class instrumentation and technology to give IU’s students of dentistry the most comprehensive and contemporary preclinical education possible.

“Clinical preparation now starts on day one,” said dental student Erik J. Zundo after sizing up the patient simulator portion of the lab shortly before it opened to students in August. “In this lab, proper technique and positioning are now in tune with one another, helping students develop finer skills from the very beginning.”

In its new configuration, the preclinical laboratory comprises simulator, bench, and wet laboratories. It houses 106 high-tech manikins, or patient simulators, that are designed to immediately introduce students to the challenges inherent in dental practice – something that models of teeth sitting out in the open on bench-tops cannot do.

“By using simulators, students learn the technical steps for prepping a tooth while simultaneously experiencing the difficulty of visualizing and treating the tooth when it’s situated deep in the mouth and competing for space with the cheeks and palate,” said Dr. George P. Willis, the school’s associate dean for Clinical Affairs. “The students must learn to coordinate their actions, manipulating the mouth mirror and overhead light while holding instruments, and to appropriately position themselves in the operator’s chair. Students begin to develop good clinical habits from the first day they set foot in the simulator lab.”

In addition to the simulators, the preclinical laboratory features digital radiography and CAD CAM units that will allow students to scan, design, and mill glass ceramic dental restorations.

One of the most exciting additions to the laboratory is haptic technology, which will bring interactive virtual sense of touch experiences to the students.

Using a grant from IUPUI’s Center for Teaching and Learning in combination with dental school funds, pediatric dentistry professor Dr. Judith R. Chin is obtaining two software haptic-unit prototypes from BioDigital in New York and the Robotics Institute in Beijing, China. Outfitted in 3D glasses, students will be able, for example, to restore a virtual tooth on a computer screen and receive realistic tactile sensations while doing so.

The IU dental school, which will serve as a testing site for this software, is one of only four U.S. dental schools to be involved with the technology to date.

The IDA Preclinical Laboratory serves as one of the first tangible outcomes of a three-year strategic plan launched by the dental school in March 2010. Included among the plan’s top priorities is the creation of new facilities for dental education, patient care, and research.

“The completion of the Indiana Dental Association Preclinical Laboratory is a substantial achievement that will result in the enhancement of the education of each of our dental and allied dental students – and that ultimately will affect dental practices throughout Indiana and beyond,” said Dean Williams. “The lab represents an important first building block in the facility we foresee for the IU School of Dentistry’s future. We offer a heartfelt thank you to our alumni and other friends of the school for their remarkable generosity as we strive to maintain our place in the top tier of America’s institutions for dental education."

Held annually, the Association’s orientation for IUSD students introduces new students to the benefits of IDA membership, IDA programs and publications, and IDA personnel. Each year the students also hear from a number of IUSD faculty, as well as the dean of the school.

Jay Dziwlik, IDA Assistant Executive Director, facilitated activities for this year’s orientation and spoke to students about the importance of a relationship with the Association.

“You’ll learn that getting involved with the IDA is one of the best ways in Indiana to network with your future colleagues,” Dziwlik said. “We also pride ourselves on offering activities for students that are valuable, but also fun.”

To continue building relationships with the new dental students, the IDA will host its annual Welcome to the Profession Reception Friday, August 26, at 6 p.m. (ET) in Indianapolis.

To register for the annual Welcome to the Profession Reception, contact Jay Dziwlik, Assistant Executive Director, at Jay@INDental.org or 800.562.5646.

The Foundation not only reached out to dentists in Joplin, Mo., who lost their practices after tornados struck earlier this spring, but helped bring two Kenyan dental students to the Indiana University School of Dentistry.

A Helping Hand for Joplin, Missouri

Fifty-eight dentists in Joplin, Mo., were impacted by the May 29, 2011, tornado, representing 40 dental offices. Of these 40 locations, 23 offices suffered total destruction, and the rest incurred moderate to severe damage. Several dentists’ homes were also completely destroyed or received significant damage.

“Devastation caused by the May 29 tornado that tore through Joplin was shocking,” said Dr. Ray Maddox, IFDH President. “We share a strong bond through dentistry with those who lost their dental practices and wanted to do our part in helping rebuild so Joplin patients can be served once more.”

The Foundation sent a $5,000 contribution to the Missouri Dental Association (MDA) earmarked for the Joplin Tornado Relief Fund established by the MDA.

“Not only are our members dealing with the emotional and financial impact of reestablishing their practices and homes, but as well, reestablishing their community where they live and work,” said Vicki Wilbers, MDA Executive Director. “We know that what they are dealing with now doesn’t even consider the long-term effects – emotionally, psychologically and financially.”

Current Indiana University School of Dentistry (IUSD) students Chris Kutanovski and Chris Cummings spent three weeks at Moi University. Their experience was featured in the winter 2011 issue of the Journal Indiana Dental Association. The two students made a commitment to raise funds to bring two Moi dental students to IUSD for a month in the fall of 2011.

To aid efforts to bring the students to IUSD, the IFDH contributed $5,000 in March 2011, and the Northwest Indiana Dental Society donated an additional $2,000 in July 2011.

The Indiana University School of Medicine (IUSM) began a partnership with Moi University in Kenya in 1989. In 2003, IUSD began a partnership with the institution when the Moi Dental School was fully established.

Dr. Karen Yoder, IUSD professor and Director of the Division of Community Dentistry, has played a primary role in building the dental school’s relationship with Moi University.

“Thanks a million,” Dr. Yoder said. “I’ve been a bit worried about the possibility of coming up short on funds, and this will help immensely.”

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]]>Tue, 09 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMTOn the minds of many IDA members is the question, “What does the Patient Affordable Care Act (PACA) mean for my patients and my practice?’

It is estimated there are about 5.5 million Indiana residents ages 0-64, and that approximately 1.1 million will go onto a state-based insurance exchange or a federal exchange. How the state defines the minimum package for both Medicaid and the exchange products is crucial to citizens’ oral health. In addition, this change will create a new group of individuals who have a dental benefit.

Unfortunately, what the exchange market will look like in Indiana post-2014 isn’t set in stone. What we do know, however, is that those seeking federally mandated insurance on the insurance exchanges will be offered a dental plan.

An unanswered question for Indiana is whether the dental plans will be stand-alone plans or instead be incorporated into the medical plans offered. The ADA worked with stakeholders on the federal level to ensure that stand-alone dental insurance would be one of the options available.

The IDA is analyzing the impact of the new exchanges, as directed by the 2011 IDA House of Delegates. But, now it is uncertain if the Healthy Indiana Plan will be the only option available on the exchange, or one of many. In addition, the impact on the Medicaid population will be dramatic, and the existence of an adult dental Medicaid benefit is uncertain.

The Indiana Health Finance Commission is studying and monitoring the progress of the Indiana Department of Insurance and the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration in the implementation of PACA.

]]>Tue, 09 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMTFor the 2012 Legislative Session the IDA will seek a comprehensive coordination of dental benefits legislative proposal. This proposal will stand alongside the Association’s longstanding support of the passage of a comprehensive assignment of benefit law.

The legislation would combine a non-covered services proposal with a dental-only assignment of benefit language. A solution for patients who are dually insured is also part of the legislation. Patients with dental insurance are often penalized by their network, or by the fact that their secondary policy won’t pay if their primary insurance pays out. The IDA believes it is not fair to pay two premiums but only enjoy the benefits of one.

The IDA will soon distribute information on how you can join the effort to ensure that patients are getting the full value of their dental benefit. Every voice makes the argument stronger, and you are needed.

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]]>Tue, 09 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMTThe IDA has announced Dr. Terry Schechner, a pediatric dentist in Valparaiso, Ind., as its new president. Dr. Schechner, who has practiced since 1985, has served in various IDA leadership roles.

Dr. Schechner began his term as president after the 2011 IDA Annual Session held in French Lick, Ind., June 9-11.

In an email interview, Dr. Schechner shared his vision and goals for his upcoming year as president.

IDA: When did you graduate from dental school, and with what degrees and specialties?

TS: I graduated from IUSD in 1982 with a DDS. I went to Case Western Reserve School of Dentistry and earned a certificate in Pediatric Dentistry in 1984. I started a private practice in August of 1984 and finally became an owner of my practice in 1994.

IDA: Why do you enjoy being an IDA member?

TS: I enjoy being an IDA member because of the friendships I have made. Membership and involvement afforded me an opportunity to make myself known in the dental community, so that I did not have to go around soliciting people to refer me patients. I have always wanted to make a difference in promoting our profession to the fullest because I do believe it is the greatest job on earth.

IDA: Why is it important to celebrate dentists who have laid the foundation for the profession in years past?

TS: Dentists that came before us worked hard to get the profession to where it is today. They did not make the money, have the technology, or have the best techniques that we take for granted today, but they did take pride in their work and tried their best to be as meticulous and precise as they could be with the resources they had available at the time. There seems to be a disconnect with younger dentists, in that they don't seem to take the same interest in the profession as those in years past. I think a huge part of it is that they come out of school so far in debt that they have to hit the ground running in order to keep their heads above water. This isn't their fault. The truth today, however, is that their ability to enjoy all that this great profession has to offer is being threatened on so many fronts that they cannot ignore the need for getting involved. Many of us 50-somethings don't have much longer to practice and will be fading away. If the younger dentists don't take ownership of the profession and sacrifice some time to fight for it, I'm afraid that they will not be enjoying the fruits of our profession as we do now. The older dentists and their examples of ethics, service and professionalism must be guarded for the future of dentistry.

IDA: Why is it important to intentionally reach out to new dentists and dental students?

TS: Reaching out to younger dentists, as I mentioned, keeps continuity of involvement in the profession so that when us old guys are gone, there is no loss in the intensity of our message or standards.

IDA: If you accomplish only one thing while you are president, what do you want it to be?

TS: I want to have the IDA and the component dental societies working for a common good. I want the young guys and gals who are the future leaders to know how to lead. The IDA staff does a great job in what they do, but the members must also take ownership and start directing the issues. The staff can help define an issue, but it is essentially not their issue. The passion that comes from attacking an issue arises in someone who owns that issues and whose livelihood is directly impacted by the issues. Legislative matters, which I am totally convinced will shape and define what dentistry will be in the next 10 years, can not be left to just Ed Popcheff, the IDA Director of Governmental Affairs. Ed does a great job for us, but I'm sure the legislators are wondering, where are the dentists? Again, as leaders, we need to take ownership and show the powers that be that we are passionate about our profession and will fight for it. Developing our leaders to take this message to their components would be my number one goal.

IDA: What does the IDA do right?

TS: The IDA does a great many things right. I feel that Doug Bush, the IDA Executive Director, has assembled a great staff that can help us achieve anything we want. The staff cannot do this all for us, but we must direct the staff to help and not do. The energy and friendliness of the staff has always impressed me, and the work that they in response to the needs of membership is top-notch.

IDA: How do you hope the IDA grows in coming years?

TS: I would like to see the IDA become an efficient, well-oiled machine in terms of its communication with members, the public and our legislators. We need to put systems in place that will provide timely information so that the appropriate responses can go out without the Association missing a beat. The new website and the current revamping of our communication tools will greatly improve these functions. I would like the Association to be more responsive to our members, and for the members to want to more actively serve their Association.

IDA: What do you see as the number-one advocacy issue for 2011-2012?

TS: Advocacy issues vary state to state. Some states are faced with legislation to establish mid-level providers and a lower-level of oral health for the poor and underserved. This not an issue facing this state now, but it most likely will be in the future. I would like to attack this now before it gets here. The way to do that is to start building relationships with legislators now to educate them about this threat to oral health. The number-one advocacy issue for us in this state now are insurance company issues. We need to have these companies' ability to make decisions for our patients terminated. Their job, as I see it, is to pay a prescribed benefit for a treatment that has been paid for by a premium, and not interfere with procedures decided between the patient and the doctor. For example, insurance companies should not be allowed to set fees for procedures they do not cover or keep premiums paid for benefits when two insurance plans are invoved. The insurance companies need to be the servants of there customers and not the other way around.

IDA: What do you see as the number-one membership issue for 2011-2012?

TS: Retention is the number-one issue for membership. In the hard economic times that we are facing now, dentists are struggling to make ends meet and are trying to cut unnecessary expenses. We need to demonstrate that membership in the IDA is a necessary and important expense -- an investment. We must change uninvolved dentists' perceptions of member benefits so they realize the critical need for IDA membership.

IDA: Is there anything else you would like to add?

TS: I am looking forward to my year as president and hope to move theAssociation forward. I want every member to take ownership of their profession and their Association. Everyone is welcome and no one will be turned away. I've heard people say that this an "Old Boy's Club," but believe me, if they would let a nerd like me in, it can't be too exclusive.

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]]>Fri, 17 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT
The Indiana Department of Insurance (IDOI) has announced changes in the contribution formulas for dentist participants in the Patient Compensation Fund (PCF). The changes will mean decreased fund surcharges for most dentists, as the contribution changes to a flat rate of $530*. The new surcharge for oral surgeons or any dentist performing IV sedation moves to $3,442**.

The IDA was able to get some clarification from the Department of Insurance regarding the application of Rule 21.

The original version of Rule 21 stated that it would affect limits of liability for the staff of unincorporated dentists. If your practice is not incorporated, your hygienists and assistants will no longer be covered by the limits of the PCF. However, with clarification for the IDOI, any sole proprietor dentist in the state of Indiana does not need to be incorporated to provide coverage through the PCF for your assistants and hygienists.

Per the Department of Insurance, information needs to filed with the Indiana Secretary of State The following link will take you to the information that you will need to complete the process. www.in.gov/sos/business/3786.htm.

The Certificate of Assumed Business Name is what needs to be on record for a sole proprietor at the County Recorder’s Office. The fee will vary county to county, depending on where you live.

Once the form is completed with your local County Recorder’s Office, your employees (i.e. Assistants and Hygienists) will be covered under the PCF.

If you have questions please feel free to contact the IDA Insurance Services Center at 1-800-417-6424.

* 20% of a class 1 physician surcharge

**130 % of a class 1 physician surcharge

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Jonathan Mayo, Director of IDA Insurance
800.417.6424Jonathan@INDental.org ]]>Fri, 17 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMTThe Indiana Dental Association's 153rd Annual Session concluded June 11, 2011, at the historic French Lick Resort in French Lick, Ind. Events began Wednesday, June 8, with two golf tournaments at the Pete Dye and Donald Ross courses in French Lick. A variety of continuing education courses, several fundraisers, and a special Membership Celebration gathering highlighted the weekend.

Final statistics and photo galleries will be posted to the IDA website by June 17, 2011.
Quick Link for the 2011 Annual Session:

Dr. Martin Szakaly, 2010-2011 IDA president, concludes his term at the 153rd Annual Session in French Lick, Ind.

A general dentist from South Bend, Ind., Dr. Szakaly has led a number of initiatives as president, Among his key contributions are a new website and online membership directory, increased visibility for councils and committees, and a stronger voice for the Association's stances on Assignment of Benefit and Non-Covered Services legislation.

In an email interview with the IDA, Dr. Szakaly reflected on his year as IDA president.

IDA: Why do you enjoy being an IDA member?

MS: It’s not the “stuff” that I get from being a member of the IDA; it really is the camaraderie. I like being around people that have the same interests and concerns as I do. I enjoy talking to other dentists about all the problems that confront us every day, professionally and politically.

IDA: What has it meant to you personally and professionally to be the IDA president in the last year?

MS: Personally, I’ve been delighted to meet so many dentists throughout the state. We are all different, but we all want to be good practitioners by looking out for our patients’ welfare. Professionally, it has been an honor to represent Indiana at the national level. I found that our state is in tune with the national agenda.

IDA: If you learned one thing as president that you'd like to pass on to the next president, what would it be?

MS: He has to have a thick skin. I’ve found dentists to be very passionate in their beliefs, and they don’t always match yours. In this role, you represent all the dentists in the state of Indiana, not just your component, and not just one set of beliefs. You need to have an open mind, be flexible, and most importantly, you have to be fair.

IDA: How has the IDA grown in the last year?

MS: I believe we became more politically effective. I think Resolution 92 helped the ADA in dealing with the Pew and Kellogg Foundations. This made us a “player” at the national level. I thank Dave Holwager for his work on this resolution. We are fortunate to have Ed Popchef as our lobbyist. He is well respected and trusted by our state legislators. The IDA was also well represented in Washington, D.C., in May. Indiana dentists personally spoke with both senators and all but two of the Indiana congressmen.

IDA: How do you anticipate the IDA will grow over the next year?

MS: I think Dr. Schechner is concerned with developing leadership in the IDA. Councils will be better run and more organized. I believe our website will grow our communicative ability, particularly with younger members. After me, Schechner and Roberts, Dr. Desiree Dimond will be a breath of fresh air, combining a pretty face and intelligence. Sorry, boys, the truth hurts.

IDA: What was your proudest moment from this past year?

MS: The success of our Mid-State leadership meeting last August made me very proud of our officers and staff. It ran like a well oiled machine; everyone learned from each other and had a great time. We need to get along with our neighboring states. Their concerns are very similar to ours.

IDA: What do you see as your greatest achievement as president?

MS: My most important goal this year was updating the IDA website. Dr. Tom Murray and his task force deserve the credit for this. He drove everyone hard, especially himself. A three-year project was done in a year. Will Sears is a valuable employee who came at the right time to implement this website reconstruction. Probably the biggest achievement is the overwhelming member participation in the French Lick meeting. It will be fun, and I think everyone will have a great time renewing acquaintances and enjoying the resort.

IDA: What roles do you see yourself in for the coming year?

MS: A rocking chair, and answering my phone when Dr. Schechner calls.

IDA: Is there anything else you'd like to add?

MS: It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as president of the Indiana Dental Association. I did spend some nights worrying about things, but because of our wonderful staff and my fellow officers and the Board of Trustees, every problem was resolved. I will miss representing all of our members, and I thank them for this opportunity to serve.

Contact Us

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"This new Web presence will serve as a stronger platform for distributing IDA news and educational resources, as well as an easy-to-use Find a Dentist feature," said Doug Bush, Executive Director.

The new website's Member Center houses numerous member resources, including a comprehensive membership directory, council and committee collaboration tools, practice management resources and easy access to IDA publications.

Refinements to INDental.org will continue in coming months, as additional resources for members and the general public are developed. In addition, the Association will provide training sessions for members who serve in a leadership capacity.

Members and the public are encouraged submit feedback as they utilize the new website. Comments and desired changes may be submitted to Will Sears, Director of Communications, at Will@INDental.org.

Contact Us

In late May, the PEW Center on the States shocked many Hoosiers with its announcement that Indiana was one of five states with a failing grade when it comes to children’s dental health.

Does Indiana deserve an F? Probably not. PEW’s assessment was based on eight benchmarks, some of which have little to do with the actual dental health of our children. But there is no doubt that we are failing some of our kids. The IU School of Dentistry’s Division of Community Dentistry reports that as many as half of low-income school children have untreated dental decay. Forget letter grades. That statistic demands the attention of parents, policymakers and the dental profession.

There is good news. PEW reports that 95 percent of Hoosiers receive optimally fluoridated water, and fluoridation reduces dental decay rates by 18-40 percent. This single benchmark is incredibly important. In fact, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cited fluoridation of drinking water as one of the 20th century’s ten greatest public health achievements.

So where are we going wrong? Five of PEW’s eight benchmarks relate directly to state or local funding. In short, Indiana is spending less money on our kids’ teeth. The Dental Division at the Indiana State Department of Health has experienced significant budget reductions in recent years. And last year, the Indiana State Office of Medicaid Policy and Planning issued an emergency order slashing dental Medicaid reimbursement rates by five percent. Times have been tough and the State has been forced to tighten its belt. But as the economy improves, it is imperative that we restore funding to dental public health programs that were already functioning on shoestring budgets.

There are additional steps that can be taken that PEW neglected to mention. Perhaps the most important benchmark of all involves the role of parents play in the dental health of their children. Children’s dental health is a partnership between parents and dental professionals. For simple steps you can take to help assure your child’s dental health visit BornToSmile.org and DrinksDestroyTeeth.com, two public service programs of the Indiana Dental Association.

Sincerely,

Martin R. Szakaly, DDS

2010-2011 President

Indiana Dental Association

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Four statewide winners will be selected, and will each receive the following prizes:

$100 cash

Framed print of his/her art

Each winner’s piece of art will serve as the cover art for a 2012 issue of Journal Indiana Dental Association!

Eligibility:

Children in kindergarten, first, second and third grades are eligible to participate.

Children of Indiana Dental Association staff and members are not eligible to participate.

Guidelines:

Each child may submit only one entry for the contest.

Each entry must be submitted on a sheet of white paper (8 ½” X 11”).

The entry may use crayons, markers, paint or pencils.

Contestants must complete their piece of art without assistance from other parties.

All entries must be received at the IDA Central Office by Friday, Oct. 28, 2011.

Winners will be notified no later than Friday, Nov. 11, 2011.

Mail the completed artwork to:

IDA Coloring Contest
P.O. Box 2467
Indianapolis, IN 46206-2467

The entry form must be received by Friday, Oct. 28, 2011. Be sure to include the name of the child’s parent or guardian, mailing address, phone number and grade in school as indicated above.

*Home addresses are used solely for the purpose of awarding prizes. The information will not be shared with other entities.